U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Black Bass and Trout
Fishing in the United States
Addendum to the 2001 National
Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and
Wildlife-Associated Recreation
Report 2001-10
Black Bass and Trout
Fishing in the United States
Addendum to the 2001 National
Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and
Wildlife-Associated Recreation
Report 2001-10
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
July 2005
Jerry Leonard
Division of Federal Assistance
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Arlington, VA
This report is intended to complement the National and State Reports for the
2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.
The conclusions in this report are the author’s and do not represent official positions
of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The author thanks Sylvia Cabrera, Richard Aiken, and Dave Buschena for
valuable input into this report.
2 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Part One—Participation in Black Bass and Trout Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Participation Nationally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Black Bass and Trout Participation by State where Fishing Occurs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Part Two—Socioeconomic Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Part Three—Expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Part Four—Boat Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Part Five—Fishing by Boat Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
The Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Contents
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 3
In the movie Field of Dreams James Earl
Jones says, “The one constant through all
the years has been baseball. America has
rolled by like an army of steamrollers.
It’s been erased like a blackboard,
rebuilt, and erased again. But baseball
has marked the time. “ While it is true
that baseball has withstood the test of
time, it is not the only thing to have done
so; fishing has also persevered. Former
president Hebert Hoover once said,
“Fishing is much more than fish. It is the
great occasion when we may return to the
fine simplicity of our forefathers.” Even
today, despite the multitudes of gadgets
and games that all vie for attention in this
electro-techno age, several recent polls
indicate that fishing trails only reading,
TV watching, and spending time with
family as Americans’ favorite leisure
activity.1
In 2001, 34.1 million U.S. residents over
15 years old participated in fishing, and
they fished a total of 557 million days.
To put the total of 34.1 million anglers
is perspective, one should consider
the following: in 2000 there were 37.5
million families in the U.S. with children
under 18.2 This 37.5 million includes
all single and two parent families and
all those families with children that
are not their own due to adoption, etc.
There are nearly as many anglers over
15 in the U.S. as there are families with
children under 18! When one considers
all the families that he or she encounters
at grocery stores, malls, movies, and
restaurants, the total number of anglers
seems astounding.
Moreover, fishing is not only important
as a leisure activity but also as a catalyst
for economic growth. In 2001 anglers
spent a total of $41.5 billion on fishing
trips and equipment, and this $41.5 billion
generated an estimated $116.1 billion in
economic output.3
Two of the most prominent species of
fish sought by anglers are black bass and
trout. Black bass includes all largemouth,
smallmouth, and spotted bass. Of all
anglers who fished in freshwater other
than the Great Lakes in 2001, 38%
sought black bass and 28% sought trout.
Additionally, the average spending of
both black bass and trout anglers on
fishing trips and equipment was notably
higher than that of all freshwater anglers.
This report seeks to broaden the
understanding of anglers for these two
highly desired freshwater species. It
provides information on participation
levels, socioeconomic characteristics,
expenditures, and boating usage of
both black bass and trout anglers. It is
intended to be used as an informational
tool by resource managers, academics,
product manufacturers, and other
interested parties. This report focuses
on freshwater fishing that does not occur
in the Great Lakes, which is consistent
with prior black bass and trout fishing
reports published by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. Unlike previous reports,
however, this report includes a short
section on the number of Great Lakes’
black bass and trout anglers.
For the sake of brevity, this report
employs the following definitions. Great
Lakes fishing is considered a distinct
type of fishing rather than “freshwater
fishing.” This distinction permits
Introduction
1 Harris Polls 1994–2004. Fishing follows only
these three activities in five out of the last
nine years.
2 “Statistical Abstract of the United States
2004–2005,” U.S. Census Bureau. 2004
3 “Sportfishing in America,” American
Sportfishing Association 2002.
Luther Goldman/USFWS
4 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
references to “freshwater fishing that
does not occur in the Great Lakes” to be
shortened to “freshwater fishing.” Great
Lakes fishing is addressed separately.
This report refers to black bass simply
as bass, and it excludes all other forms
of bass such as white bass, striped
bass, and striped bass hybrids. This
report excludes all boating activity for
purposes other than fishing. Anglers
may participate in recreational boating
for purposes other than fishing, such
as pleasure boating and sightseeing;
however, this activity is not included in
days of boating in this report. Anglers
who are considered boaters are those who
fish from a boat regardless of their use of
boats for purposes other than fishing.
Report Organization
The report is organized into four parts:
Part One: The “Participation in Black
Bass and Trout Fishing” section
examines the populations and geographic
dispersion of both types of anglers.
Estimates of total participation levels and
days of participation are made at national
and state levels.
Part Two: The “Socioeconomic
Characteristics” section examines
the socioeconomic characteristics of
all freshwater, black bass, and trout
anglers. Comparisons are made among
the different groups to promote a better
understanding of their unique features.
Part Three: The “Expenditures” section
provides a detailed analysis of spending
by all freshwater, black bass, and trout
anglers. Total and average spending
are calculated for numerous trip and
equipment categories.
Part Four: The “Boat Usage” section
examines the use of boats for fishing
among all freshwater, black bass,
and trout anglers. Socioeconomic
characteristics of those anglers who use
boats are examined in detail.
Part Five: Lastly, the “Fishing by Boat
Model” section summarizes the results
of a continuation ratio regression
model used to examine the impact
that numerous variables have on the
probability that anglers will participate
in some boating as opposed to no boating.
Additionally, the model is used to examine
what impact the same variables have on
the probability that an individual will
participate in avid boating given that he
or she participates in some boating.
All reported data contained herein
are from the 2001 National Survey
of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-
Associated Recreation (FHWAR).4
Consequently, all participation,
expenditures, and hunting behavior
statistics are representative of 2001.
Additionally, all data represents persons
age 16 years and older.
4 FHWAR documents are available on the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service webpage:
http://federalaid.fws.gov/surveys/
surveys.html.
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 5
Participation Nationally
Freshwater
Table 1 reveals the number of anglers,
days of fishing, and average days of
fishing for different freshwater species.
Additionally, the percent columns indicate
the share of total anglers and days of
fishing that are attributable to each
species. The percents do not sum to 100
because many anglers fish for multiple
species.
Part One — Participation in Black Bass and Trout Fishing
Table 1. Freshwater Anglers and Days of Fishing by Species Type: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
Anglers Days of fishing
Average days
Number Percent Number Percent per angler
Total, all types of fish 27,913 100% 443,247 100% 16
Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, etc.) 10,708 38% 159,847 36% 15
White bass, striped bass, and striped hybrids 4,946 18% 61,889 14% 13
Panfish 7,910 28% 103,294 23% 13
Crappie 6,657 24% 95,109 21% 14
Catfish and bullheads 7,517 27% 103,664 23% 14
Walleye and Sauger 3,269 12% 48,514 11% 15
Northern pike, pickerel, muskie 2,060 7% 27,290 6% 13
Trout 7,819 28% 83,325 19% 11
Salmon 1,369 5% 15,053 3% 11
Steelhead 536 2% 6,698 2% 12
Anything 4,741 17% 46,257 10% 10
Another type of freshwater fish 1,537 6% 17,277 4% 11
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses
From the perspective of both the number
of anglers and days of fishing, black
bass are the most pursued freshwater
fish species. Table 1 indicates that there
were 10.7 million black bass anglers in
2001, which is 35% more anglers than the
species with the second most anglers,
panfish. These 10.7 million anglers
fished for bass nearly 160 million days.
The average number of days that a bass
angler fishes for bass is 15 days. Walleye
and sauger are the only other species
sought for an average of 15 days.
Trout fishing ranks third in popularity
by number of freshwater anglers.
7.8 million trout anglers fished 83 million
days, which averages 11 days per angler.
11 days is lower than the majority of
other species. This lower average days
of fishing may be the result of relatively
short fishing seasons for trout, as well
as terrain, accessibility, and climate of
trout habitat.
6 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Table 2 presents the distribution of black
bass and trout anglers by geographic
region of the country. Additionally, it
indicates the percent of freshwater
anglers who were bass and trout anglers.
The region with the highest number of
bass anglers is the South Atlantic with 2.2
million, and the region with the highest
percent of bass anglers is the East South
Central with 50%. In several other
regions, more than 40% of freshwater
anglers pursued bass. The Mountain and
Pacific regions have substantially lower
percentages at around 20%. However,
the Mountain and Pacific regions have
the highest quantity and percent of
trout anglers. Combined these two
regions comprise more than half of all
trout anglers. Figure 1 shows a map of
the different regions along with their
respective percentages of freshwater
anglers who seek bass and trout.
Great Lakes
There is some bass and trout fishing in
the Great Lakes. In 2001, 589 thousand
anglers pursued bass a total of 6.4 million
days in the Great Lakes (Table 3). In
the Great Lakes bass are the second
most popular species behind perch.
There are roughly the same number of
trout anglers fishing in the Great Lakes
as bass anglers, 585 thousand. These
anglers sought trout for 6.0 million days,
which is also similar to the number of
days bass were pursued.
Table 2. Regional Residence of All Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Anglers: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
All Freshwater Anglers
Black Bass Anglers Trout Anglers
Percent of
Freshwater
Percent of
Region Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Freshwater
U.S. Total 27,913 100% 10,708 100% 38% 7,819 100% 28%
New England 1,030 4% 463 4% 45% 566 7% 55%
Middle Atlantic 2,113 8% 990 9% 47% 1,017 13% 48%
East North Central 4,790 17% 1,956 18% 41% 517 7% 11%
West North Central 3,749 13% 1,221 11% 33% 364 5% 10%
South Atlantic 4,629 17% 2,164 20% 47% 729 9% 16%
East South Central 2,356 8% 1,171 11% 50% 214 3% 9%
West South Central 3,661 13% 1,661 16% 45% 500 6% 14%
Mountain 2,393 9% 427 4% 18% 1,873 24% 78%
Pacific 3,193 11% 655 6% 21% 2,040 26% 64%
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 7
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Figure 1. Percent of Freshwater Anglers Who Seek Trout and Bass in the Bureau of Census Regions
Table 3. Great Lakes Anglers and Days of Fishing by Species Type: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands.)
Anglers Days of fishing
Average days
Number Percent Number Percent per angler
Total, all types of fish 1,847 100% 23,138 100% 13
Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, etc.) 589 32% 6,355 27% 11
Walleye and Sauger 571 31% 5,521 24% 10
Northern pike, pickerel, muskie 140 8% ** ** **
Perch 693 38% 6,597 29% 10
Salmon 516 28% 3,985 17% 8
Steelhead 338 18% 3,698 16% 11
Trout 585 32% 5,960 26% 10
Anything 217 12% 1,994 9% 9
Another type of Great Lakes fish 157 9% 1,769 8% 11
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses
**Sample size too small to report data reliably.
8 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Black Bass and Trout Participation by
State where Fishing Occurs
Table 4 presents the number of
freshwater, black bass, and trout
anglers by state where fishing occurred.
Additionally, the percent columns
indicate the share of all freshwater
anglers who are bass and trout anglers
respectively. There is a wide variation in
the proportion of anglers who seek bass
and trout by state. The wide variations
are attributable to differences in
freshwater habit, which often favor one
species over the other.
Table 4. Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Anglers by State Where
Fishing Occurred: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
Black Bass Anglers Trout Anglers
All Freshwater Number Percent Number Percent
U.S. Total 27,913 10,708 38% 7,819 28%
AK 266 ** ** 83 31%
AL 732 383 52% *19 *2%
AR 782 318 41% 131 17%
AZ 419 148 35% 219 52%
CA 1,865 495 27% 1,174 63%
CO 915 *71 *8% 806 88%
CT 255 112 44% 118 46%
DE 73 28 38% *11 *15%
FL 1,316 647 49% ** **
GA 1,017 389 38% 108 11%
HI *12 ** ** ** **
IA 542 192 36% *48 *9%
ID 416 53 13% 332 80%
IL 1,060 386 36% *58 *5%
IN 746 353 47% ** **
KS 404 170 42% *18 *4%
KY 780 339 44% *41 *5%
LA 659 273 41% ** **
MA 325 155 48% 133 41%
MD 367 155 42% 101 28%
ME 272 107 39% 163 60%
MI 980 316 32% 177 18%
MN 1,560 343 22% *64 *4%
MO 1,215 574 47% 195 16%
MS 494 239 48% ** **
MT 349 *22 *6% 293 84%
NC 848 375 44% 173 20%
ND 179 *6 *3% *6 *3%
NE 296 108 36% *25 *9%
NH 221 97 44% 121 55%
NJ 331 171 52% 140 42%
NM 314 *47 *15% 210 67%
NV 172 37 21% 111 65%
NY 901 387 43% 321 36%
OH 1,081 494 46% *76 *7%
OK 774 381 49% *59 *8%
OR 611 63 10% 417 68%
PA 1,163 548 47% 646 56%
RI 51 23 45% 22 43%
SC 591 285 48% *49 *8%
SD 214 22 10% *16 *7%
TN 903 461 51% 137 15%
TX 1,842 892 48% *140 *8%
UT 517 68 13% 431 83%
VA 721 390 54% 116 16%
VT 171 41 24% 100 58%
WA 659 102 15% 436 66%
WI 1,307 494 38% 115 9%
WV 318 143 45% 112 35%
WY 293 ** ** 256 88%
*Estimate based on small sample size.
**Sample size too small to report data reliably.
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 9
At 54% Virginia has the highest percent
of bass anglers. In Alabama, New Jersey,
and Tennessee, greater than 50% of
anglers seek bass. Among those states
with the lowest percentages are North
Dakota, Montana, and Colorado, which
all have less than 10%. The survey
sample sizes are too small to report
reliable estimates for Alaska, Wyoming,
and Hawaii. Figure 2 displays a graphical
representation of bass angler share of
freshwater anglers.
Many of the states with the lowest
percentages of bass anglers are among
the highest in percent of trout anglers.
More than 80% of freshwater anglers
pursued trout in Wyoming, Montana, and
Colorado. Conversely, less than 5% did so
in Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and
Alabama. The survey sample sizes are
too small to reliably report the percent of
trout anglers in Hawaii, Indiana, Florida,
Mississippi, and Louisiana. Figure 3
displays a graphical representation of the
trout angler share of freshwater anglers.
Figure 2. Percent of Freshwater Anglers Who Sought Black Bass
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􀀡􂄀􀀫􂭓 Small sample
< 35 percent
35–44 percent
≥ 45 percent
Figure 3. Percent of Freshwater Anglers Who Sought Trout
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< 10 percent
10–49 percent
≥ 50 percent
10 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Table 5. Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Days of Fishing by State Where
Fishing Occurred: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
Black Bass Days Trout Days
All Freshwater Days Number Percent Number Percent
U.S. Total 443,247 159,847 100% 83,325 100%
AK 2,110 ** ** 605 29%
AL 9,877 5,578 56% *154 *2%
AR 13,006 4,841 37% 727 6%
AZ 4,246 1,372 32% 1,661 39%
CA 19,385 4,121 21% 9,901 51%
CO 9,267 *864 *9% 7,637 82%
CT 3,516 1,576 45% 1,555 44%
DE 609 229 38% *67 *11%
FL 20,840 12,215 59% ** **
GA 13,076 4,434 34% 962 7%
HI *194 ** ** ** **
IA 7,485 2,552 34% *484 *6%
ID 4,070 526 13% 2,434 60%
IL 14,246 4,491 32% *1,188 *8%
IN 12,756 6,192 49% ** **
KS 5,662 2,395 42% *232 *4%
KY 12,394 5,160 42% *261 *2%
LA 8,419 2,997 36% ** **
MA 4,560 2,670 59% 1,727 38%
MD 4,269 2,281 53% 982 23%
ME 3,422 1,275 37% 1,777 52%
MI 12,817 2,641 21% 1,356 11%
MN 28,159 4,235 15% *834 *3%
MO 13,279 5,550 42% 1,186 9%
MS 8,466 2,886 34% ** **
MT 4,068 *394 *10% 2,957 73%
NC 12,073 4,619 38% 961 8%
ND 2,186 *71 *3% *40 *2%
NE 3,204 1,073 33% *141 *4%
NH 2,871 1,084 38% 1,276 44%
NJ 5,553 3,453 62% 1,519 27%
NM 2,485 *279 *11% 1,788 72%
NV 1,575 250 16% 1,068 68%
NY 13,022 5,021 39% 3,396 26%
OH 15,212 8,705 57% *761 *5%
OK 12,741 5,976 47% *325 *3%
OR 7,895 541 7% 4,077 52%
PA 17,201 6,955 40% 7,263 42%
RI 649 233 36% 273 42%
SC 8,713 4,217 48% *423 *5%
SD 2,984 245 8% *147 *5%
TN 15,035 7,250 48% 1,785 12%
TX 25,650 12,315 48% *824 *3%
UT 5,238 629 12% 3,899 74%
VA 10,847 5,139 47% 1,677 15%
VT 2,321 381 16% 1,305 56%
WA 9,800 1,393 14% 5,340 54%
WI 19,139 6,765 35% 1,521 8%
WV 4,152 1,757 42% 1,340 32%
WY 2,497 ** ** 2,054 82%
*Estimate based on small sample size.
**Sample size too small to report data reliably.
Table 5 presents the total days of
fishing for freshwater, black bass, and
trout by state where fishing occurred.
Additionally, the percent columns
indicate the share of all freshwater
fishing days in which anglers sought
bass and trout. Both Texas and Florida
have over 12 million days of bass fishing,
which is substantially higher than other
states. States with the highest percent
of freshwater days in which bass were
pursued include New Jersey, Florida, and
Massachusetts with 62%, 59%, and 59%
respectively. California has the most days
of trout fishing at 9.9 million. Colorado
and Pennsylvania both follow with around
7.5 million days. Colorado and Wyoming
have the highest percent of freshwater
days in which trout were pursued at 82%.
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 11
Table 6 presents the average days of
fishing for all freshwater species, black
bass, and trout. New Jersey, Florida, and
Indiana have the highest average days of
bass angling. Illinois and Virginia have
the highest average days of trout angling.
Table 6. Average Days Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Fishing by State Where
Fishing Occurred: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
All Freshwater Black Bass Trout
U.S. Total 16 15 11
AK 8 ** 7
AL 14 15 *8
AR 17 16 6
AZ 10 9 8
CA 11 8 9
CO 10 *12 10
CT 14 14 13
DE 9 8 *6
FL 16 19 **
GA 13 12 9
HI *17 ** **
IA 14 13 *10
ID 10 10 7
IL 14 12 *22
IN 17 18 **
KS 14 14 *13
KY 16 15 *6
LA 13 11 **
MA 14 18 14
MD 12 15 10
ME 13 12 11
MI 14 9 8
MN 18 13 *13
MO 11 10 6
MS 17 12 **
MT 12 *18 10
NC 14 12 6
ND 13 *12 *7
NE 11 10 *6
NH 13 11 11
NJ 17 20 11
NM 8 *6 9
NV 9 7 10
NY 15 13 11
OH 14 18 *10
OK 17 16 *6
OR 13 9 10
PA 15 13 11
RI 13 10 13
SC 15 15 *9
SD 14 12 *9
TN 17 16 13
TX 14 14 *6
UT 10 9 9
VA 15 13 14
VT 14 9 13
WA 15 14 12
WI 15 14 13
WV 13 13 12
WY 9 ** 8
*Estimate based on small sample size.
**Sample size too small to report data reliably.
12 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
This section provides a detailed analysis
of the socioeconomic characteristics of all
freshwater, bass, and trout anglers. The
socioeconomic characteristics addressed
include age, gender, education, and
income.
Part Two — Socioeconomic Characteristics
Table 7. Age Distribution of Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Anglers: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
All Freshwater Anglers
Black Bass Anglers Trout Anglers
Percent of
Freshwater
Percent of
Age Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Freshwater
U.S. Total 27,913 100% 10,708 100% 38% 7,819 100% 28%
16–17 1,146 4% 500 5% 44% 350 4% 31%
18–24 2,576 9% 1,056 10% 41% 663 8% 26%
25–34 5,452 20% 2,200 21% 40% 1,540 20% 28%
35–44 7,492 27% 2,979 28% 40% 2,261 29% 30%
45–54 5,469 20% 2,005 19% 37% 1,564 20% 29%
55–64 3,310 12% 1,171 11% 35% 798 10% 24%
65+ 2,469 9% 797 7% 32% 643 8% 26%
Age
The “Percent” columns for all freshwater,
black bass, and trout anglers in Table 7
reveal a very similar distribution by age.
The greatest percent of all three different
angler types is 35–44. The lowest percent
of all three occurs for ages 16–17.
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 13
Gender
Figure 4 indicates that both black
bass and trout anglers have a higher
concentration of males than all
freshwater anglers. 80% of bass anglers
and 78% of trout anglers are male,
which compares to 74% of all freshwater
anglers. There is a higher concentration
of females among anglers who pursue
other freshwater species including
panfish, catfish, or any freshwater fish
(which indicates pursuit of no particular
species).
Education
Figure 5 indicates that trout anglers are
slightly more likely to have four or more
years of college than all freshwater or
trout anglers. 30% of trout anglers have
four or more years of college, which
compares to 26% of both bass anglers and
all freshwater anglers.
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Figure 4. Gender Distribution of Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Anglers: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
􀀢􂈀􀁍􄴀􀁍􄴀􀀁􀄀􀀧􂜀􀁓􅌀􀁆􄘀􀁔􅐀􀁉􄤀􀁘􅠀􀁂􄈀􀁕􅔀􀁆􄘀􀁓􅌀􀀁􀄀􀀢􂈀􀁏􄼀􀁈􄠀􀁍􄴀􀁆􄘀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀 􀀣􂌀􀁍􄴀􀁂􄈀􀁄􄐀􀁌􄰀􀀁􀄀􀀣􂌀􀁂􄈀􀁔􅐀􀁔􅐀􀀁􀄀􀀢􂈀􀁏􄼀􀁈􄠀􀁍􄴀􀁆􄘀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀 􀀵􃔀􀁓􅌀􀁐􅀀􀁖􅘀􀁕􅔀􀀁􀄀􀀢􂈀􀁏􄼀􀁈􄠀􀁍􄴀􀁆􄘀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀
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􀀑􁄀􀀎􀸀􀀒􁈀􀀒􁈀􀀁􀄀􀁚􅨀􀁆􄘀􀁂􄈀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀 􀀒􁈀􀀓􁌀􀀁􀄀􀁚􅨀􀁆􄘀􀁂􄈀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀 􀀒􁈀􀀎􀸀􀀔􁐀􀀁􀄀􀁚􅨀􀁆􄘀􀁂􄈀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀􀀁􀄀􀁐􅀀􀁇􄜀􀀁􀄀􀁄􄐀􀁐􅀀􀁍􄴀􀁍􄴀􀁆􄘀􀁈􄠀􀁆􄘀 􀀕􁔀􀀁􀄀􀁚􅨀􀁆􄘀􀁂􄈀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀􀀁􀄀􀁐􅀀􀁇􄜀􀀁􀄀􀁄􄐀􀁐􅀀􀁍􄴀􀁍􄴀􀁆􄘀􀁈􄠀􀁆􄘀 􀀖􁘀􀀁􀄀􀁚􅨀􀁆􄘀􀁂􄈀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀􀀁􀄀􀁐􅀀􀁓􅌀􀀁􀄀􀁎􄸀􀁐􅀀􀁓􅌀􀁆􄘀􀀁􀄀􀁐􅀀􀁇􄜀􀀁􀄀􀁄􄐀􀁐􅀀􀁍􄴀􀁍􄴀􀁆􄘀􀁈􄠀􀁆􄙆
Figure 5. Education Distribution of Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Anglers: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
14 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Income
Table 8 indicates that both bass and trout
anglers have higher incomes than all
freshwater anglers. 60% of trout anglers
and 58% of bass anglers have incomes of
$40,000 or more, which compares to 54%
of all freshwater anglers. Trout anglers
also have a smaller share of anglers with
less than $25,000. 9% of trout anglers
have incomes of less than $25,000
compared to 12% of freshwater and bass
anglers.
Table 8. Income Distribution of Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Anglers: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
All Freshwater Anglers
Black Bass Anglers Trout Anglers
Percent of
Freshwater
Percent of
Income Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Freshwater
U.S. Total 27,913 100% 10,708 100% 38% 7,819 100% 28%
Not Reported 4,178 15% 1,457 14% 35% 1,075 14% 26%
Under $10,000 755 3% 245 2% 32% 156 2% 21%
$10,000–$19,999 1,413 5% 485 5% 34% 282 4% 20%
$20,000–$24,999 1,223 4% 505 5% 41% 241 3% 20%
$25,000–$29,999 1,539 6% 535 5% 35% 372 5% 24%
$30,000–$34,999 1,743 6% 634 6% 36% 533 7% 31%
$35,000–$39,999 1,640 6% 703 7% 43% 447 6% 27%
$40,000–$49,999 3,152 11% 1,283 12% 41% 842 11% 27%
$50,000–$74,999 5,920 21% 2,316 22% 39% 1,791 23% 30%
$75,000–$99,999 3,205 11% 1,239 12% 39% 1,050 13% 33%
$100,000 or More 3,146 11% 1,307 12% 42% 1,030 13% 33%
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 15
This section examines spending made
pursuant to freshwater fishing in 2001.
It does not include spending on saltwater
or Great Lakes fishing. Spending is
examined by type of angler not by type
of fish pursued. The different types of
anglers considered include freshwater,
bass, and trout, where one must
participate in each respective type of
fishing to be considered as such. The
categories are not mutually exclusive.
On the contrary, all bass anglers and
trout anglers are freshwater anglers,
and some bass anglers are also trout
anglers and vice versa. Consequently,
the spending of bass anglers includes
spending made pursuant to other
freshwater species such as walleye,
panfish, catfish, or trout. Examining
expenditures in this manner permits
analysis of how the average expenditures
of both bass and trout anglers differ from
one another and how they both differ
from all freshwater anglers.
Expenditures by type of angler and
spending category are presented in
Table 9. Both bass and trout anglers
average higher trip expenditures than all
freshwater anglers. Bass anglers spent
$10.2 billion on trips and equipment made
pursuant to freshwater fishing. Trout
anglers spent $6.4 billion. Dividing these
spending totals by the number of bass
and trout anglers results in averages
of $949 and $816 respectively. Bass
anglers average higher spending than
trout anglers and both have averages
considerably higher than that of all
freshwater anglers, $716.
For trip costs bass anglers average
higher spending than both trout anglers
and all freshwater anglers; however,
there are numerous categories of trip
spending in which trout anglers have
higher average spending than bass
anglers. Trout anglers average higher
spending on food, lodging, private
transportation, public transportation,
guide fees, public and private land use
fees, and heating fuel. The overall higher
trip average for bass anglers is primarily
attributable to higher spending in two
categories: boating costs and bait. The
average boating costs of bass anglers is
nearly three times that of trout anglers.
For equipment expenditures, bass
anglers average higher expenditures
in nearly every category. Bass anglers
average higher expenditures for rods,
reels, tackle boxes, lures, depth finders,
etc. However, trout anglers average
higher spending for auxiliary equipment
such as camping equipment and clothing,
which can also be used for other types of
outdoor recreation, but is primarily used
for fishing.
Bass anglers average substantially
higher special equipment expenditures.
They average $342 compared to $240 for
trout anglers and $255 for all freshwater
anglers. Further inspection reveals that
this is primarily due to higher spending
of bass anglers on boats and recreational
vehicles such as vans, motor homes, and
campers.
Part Three — Expenditures
16 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Table 9. Expenditures of All Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Anglers: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. In thousands of dollars, except for averages. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
All
Freshwater
Average
Freshwater
Black Bass
Anglers
Average
Bass
Trout
Anglers
Average
Trout
Total, all items 19,972,014 716 10,162,305 949 6,383,055 816
Trip-Related Expenditures
Total trip-related 9,392,904 337 4,679,998 437 3,354,867 429
Food and lodging, total 4,028,437 144 1,908,179 178 1,534,506 196
Food 2,923,180 105 1,412,445 132 1,089,730 139
Lodging 1,105,257 40 495,734 46 444,776 57
Transportation, total 2,624,595 94 1,245,559 116 1,009,620 129
Public 209,056 7 85,974 8 109,058 14
Private 2,415,539 87 1,159,586 108 900,561 115
Other trip costs, total 2,739,872 98 1,526,260 143 810,742 104
Guide fees, pack trip or package fees 236,495 8 119,622 11 109,570 14
Public land use fees 90,904 3 46,927 4 39,228 5
Private land use fees 67,731 2 33,386 3 24,040 3
Equipment rental 128,813 5 66,252 6 58,027 7
Boating costs 1,194,849 43 737,716 69 267,076 34
Heating and cooking fuel 67,266 2 27,762 3 27,648 4
Bait 761,793 27 392,269 37 219,547 28
Ice 192,022 7 102,327 10 65,607 8
Equipment Expenses
Fishing Equipment 2,959,515 106 1,589,669 148 931,887 119
Rods, reels, poles and rodmaking components 1,171,010 42 620,420 58 393,387 50
Lines and leaders 305,802 11 162,881 15 105,497 13
Artificial lures, flies, baits and dressing 585,275 21 349,775 33 197,248 25
Hooks, sinkers, and swivels 228,785 8 117,815 11 72,172 9
Tackle boxes 91,603 3 55,461 5 28,286 4
Creels, stringers, fish bags and landing gear 63,898 2 31,563 3 16,618 2
Minnow traps, seines, and bait containers 33,064 1 19,948 2 5,768 1
Depth and fish finders, and other electronics 228,855 8 108,756 10 31,694 4
Ice fishing equipment 77,867 3 28,811 3 17,440 2
Other fishing equipment 173,356 6 94,240 9 63,777 8
Auxillary equipment 498,449 18 234,775 22 217,414 28
Camping equipment 278,991 10 122,416 11 117,511 15
Binoculars, spotting scopes 17,875 1 10,593 1 7,032 1
Special fishing and hunting clothing, boots,
foul weather gear
159,143 6 77,732 7 79,048 10
Other 27,445 1 12,313 1 10,980 1
Special equipment 7,121,146 255 3,657,862 342 1,878,887 240
Note: “Special equipment” includes purchases of big ticket items such as boats, campers, trucks, and cabins that are primarily purchased for use in
wildlife-related recreation.
Note: Spending is examined here by type of angler (freshwater, bass, and trout) not by type of fish pursued. One must participate in each respective type of fishing
to be considered as such. The categories are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, all bass anglers and trout anglers are freshwater anglers, and some bass
anglers are also trout anglers and vice versa. Consequently, the spending of bass anglers includes spending made pursuant to other freshwater species such as
walleye, panfish, or catfish.
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 17
This section examines the socioeconomic
characteristics of anglers who use boats
for fishing. A respondent is identified
as a boating angler or boater if he or
she fished from a boat at least one day
during 2001. The boating referred to
herein only concerns that portion of all
boating that is related to fishing, and
anglers who are considered boaters are
those who fish from a boat regardless of
their use of boats for purposes other than
fishing. Examining the socioeconomic
characteristics of those anglers who
boated at least one day permits an
understanding of what variables
are associated with higher boating
participation.
Table 10 presents socioeconomic
characteristics of freshwater, bass, and
trout anglers who boated. The columns
indicate the total number of freshwater,
bass, and trout anglers, how many of each
boated, and what percent were boaters.
For example, the first row and first
column of Table 10 indicates there were
27.9 million freshwater anglers in 2001.
The second column indicates that 14.8
million freshwater anglers fished from a
boat. The third column indicates that the
14.8 million boaters represent 53% of all
freshwater anglers.
Overall 53% of freshwater anglers,
65% of bass anglers, and 48% of trout
anglers fished from a boat at least one
day. Deviations from these overall
percentages in the rows indicates
characteristics that are associated with
higher or lower boating participation.
Part Four — Boat Usage
Population Size of Residence
The population size of residence is
measured in terms of metropolitan
statistical area (MSA). “The general
concept of a metropolitan . . . statistical
area is that of a core area containing a
substantial population nucleus, together
with adjacent communities having a high
degree of economic and social integration
with that core . . . Each metropolitan
statistical area must have at least
one urbanized area of 50,000 or more
inhabitants. ”
Consequently, classification by MSA
provides information on the population
of angler residences. The categories of
MSA listed in Table 10 indicate whether
an angler lived in a MSA of various sizes
or lived outside a MSA, which indicates a
more rural residency.
The proportion of anglers that
participated in boating varies little with
respect to MSA. For all freshwater
anglers the percentage of boating is
slightly higher among those anglers that
reside in MSAs of 50,000–249,999 and
250,000–999,999, where the percentages
rise to 56% and 55% respectively. For
bass anglers the percentage is highest
among those who reside in MSAs
250,000–999,999, and for trout anglers it
is highest for those in MSAs of 50,000–
249,999.
Fred Youngblood/USFWS
18 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
continues
Table 10. Selected Characteristics of Freshwater, Bass, and Trout Anglers who Use Boats for Fishing
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
All
Freshwater
Anglers
Freshwater
Boaters Percent
Black
Bass
Anglers
Black
Bass
Boaters Percent
Trout
Anglers
Trout
Boaters Percent
Total All Persons 27,913 14,787 53% 10,708 6,993 65% 7,819 3,720 48%
Population Size of Residence
Metropolitan statistical area (MSA) 19,136 10,217 53% 7,618 5,029 66% 5,704 2,788 49%
1,000,000 or more 10,220 5,292 52% 3,966 2,529 64% 3,601 1,733 48%
250,000 to 999,999 5,638 3,088 55% 2,533 1,747 69% 1,304 637 49%
50,000 to 249,999 3,278 1,838 56% 1,119 753 67% 798 418 52%
Outside MSA 8,777 4,569 52% 3,090 1,963 64% 2,115 932 44%
Census Geographic Region
New England 1,030 539 52% 463 297 64% 566 295 52%
Middle Atlantic 2,113 911 43% 990 619 63% 1,017 347 34%
East North Central 4,790 2,727 57% 1,956 1,326 68% 517 329 64%
West North Central 3,749 2,235 60% 1,221 765 63% 364 160 44%
South Atlantic 4,629 2,382 51% 2,164 1,397 65% 729 356 49%
East South Central 2,356 1,313 56% 1,171 773 66% 214 105 49%
West South Central 3,661 1,954 53% 1,661 1,087 65% 500 255 51%
Mountain 2,393 1,012 42% 427 259 61% 1,873 749 40%
Pacific 3,193 1,715 54% 655 471 72% 2,040 1,124 55%
Age
16–17 1,146 557 49% 500 315 63% 350 164 47%
18–24 2,576 1,227 48% 1,056 637 60% 663 264 40%
25–34 5,452 2,782 51% 2,200 1,415 64% 1,540 695 45%
35–44 7,492 3,847 51% 2,979 1,851 62% 2,261 1,130 50%
45–54 5,469 3,121 57% 2,005 1,417 71% 1,564 765 49%
55–64 3,310 1,988 60% 1,171 866 74% 798 420 53%
65+ 2,469 1,265 51% 797 491 62% 643 283 44%
Gender
Male 20,729 11,502 55% 8,615 5,716 66% 6,110 3,007 49%
Female 7,184 3,285 46% 2,093 1,277 61% 1,709 713 42%
Ethnicity
Hispanic 1,081 382 35% 349 185 53% 426 166 39%
Non-Hispanic 26,832 14,405 54% 10,359 6,807 66% 7,393 3,554 48%
Race
White 26,176 14,143 54% 10,122 6,697 66% 7,489 3,578 48%
Black 1,235 470 38% 436 238 55% 124 56 45%
Asian 198 43 22% 77 ** ** 57 ** **
All Others 304 130 43% *73 *42 *57% *126 *40 *32%
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 19
Table 10. Selected Characteristics of Freshwater, Bass, and Trout Anglers who Use Boats for Fishing – continued
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
All
Freshwater
Anglers
Freshwater
Boaters Percent
Black
Bass
Anglers
Black
Bass
Boaters Percent
Trout
Anglers
Trout
Boaters Percent
Annual Household Income
Under $10,000 755 299 40% 245 121 49% 156 64 41%
$10,000–$19,999 1,413 666 47% 485 278 57% 282 147 52%
$20,000–$24,999 1,223 637 52% 505 351 70% 241 112 46%
$25,000–$29,999 1,539 692 45% 535 340 64% 372 167 45%
$30,000–$34,999 1,743 838 48% 634 389 61% 533 220 41%
$35,000–$39,999 1,640 862 53% 703 413 59% 447 228 51%
$40,000–$49,999 3,152 1,786 57% 1,283 842 66% 842 437 52%
$50,000–$74,999 5,920 3,248 55% 2,316 1,532 66% 1,791 844 47%
$75,000–$99,999 3,205 1,790 56% 1,239 847 68% 1,050 490 47%
$100,000 or More 3,146 1,841 59% 1,307 920 70% 1,030 521 51%
Not Reported 4,178 2,128 51% 1,457 959 66% 1,075 490 46%
Education
11 years or less 3,539 1,651 47% 1,434 869 61% 777 347 45%
12 years 9,842 5,150 52% 3,781 2,480 66% 2,489 1,167 47%
1–3 years of college 7,362 4,136 56% 2,765 1,819 66% 2,191 1,066 49%
4 years of college 4,346 2,382 55% 1,679 1,170 70% 1,339 639 48%
5 years or more of college 2,824 1,468 52% 1,049 654 62% 1,023 501 49%
*Estimate based on small sample size.
**Sample size too small to report data reliably.
20 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Census Geographic Region
Boating participation differs considerably
by geographic region of residence.
However, the percent of bass anglers
who use boats is relatively consistent
compared to all freshwater and trout
anglers. For all freshwater anglers the
percentage of boaters ranges from a
high of 60% in the West North Central
to a low of 42% in the Mountain region.
For trout anglers the percentage ranges
from 64% in the East North Central to
34% in the Middle Atlantic. For bass
anglers, most regions have percentages
that are relatively close to the overall
average of 65%. The Pacific has the
highest percentage at 72%, and Mountain
has the lowest at 61%. Figure 6 presents
a graphical display of the percent of all
freshwater, trout, and bass anglers who
participate in boating by region.
State of Residence
Table 11 presents geographic differences
in boating at the state level. Besides
presenting geographic differences at a
more refined level than regional, which
appears in Table 10, the information
presented here is by state where
fishing occurred rather than by place
of residence. Given the differences
in fishable water that occurs among
states, it is not surprising to find that
the percent of boating participation
differs considerably. Also unsurprising
is that the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,”
Minnesota, has the highest percentage
of freshwater anglers who use boats
at 84%. Other prominent lake fishing
states in the Midwest such as Wisconsin
and Michigan closely follow at 79% and
71% respectively. States with a high
proportion of river fishing such as New
Mexico, West Virginia, or Colorado have
comparatively lower share of freshwater
boating anglers, at 26%, 34%, and 39%
respectively.
Age
The percentage of anglers who use boats
is positively correlated with age. In other
words, as age increases so too does the
percentage of anglers that use boats.
Anglers 18–24 years old have the lowest
percentage of boaters. This is the case for
all freshwater, bass, and trout anglers.
The highest percentage of boaters is also
the same among the different types of
anglers: 55–64 years old. As well, beyond
64 the percentage of boaters declines for
each.
Gender
Male freshwater, bass, and trout anglers
are more likely to be boaters than
females. 55% of male freshwater anglers
use boats compared to 46% of female.
Similarly, 66% of male bass anglers and
49% of male trout anglers use boats
compared to 61% and 42% of females.
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Figure 6. Percent of All Freshwater, Trout, and Bass Anglers Who Use Boats for Fishing in the Bureau of Census Regions
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 21
Table 11. Boating Participation by State where Fishing Occurred
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands.)
All
Freshwater
Anglers
Freshwater
Black Bass
Anglers Trout Anglers
Boaters Percent Percent Boaters Percent Boaters
U.S. Total 27,913 14,787 53% 65% 48%
AK 266 159 60% ** 57%
AL 732 470 64% 72% *92%
AR 782 533 68% 81% *57%
AZ 419 211 50% 60% 45%
CA 1,865 964 52% 70% 52%
CO 915 361 40% *39% 39%
CT 255 125 49% 68% 43%
DE 73 38 52% 63% *39%
FL 1,316 759 58% 72% **
GA 1,017 522 51% 67% *55%
HI *12 ** ** ** **
IA 542 268 50% 54% **
ID 416 198 48% *63% 44%
IL 1,060 479 45% 55% **
IN 746 385 52% 63% **
KS 404 184 46% 61% **
KY 780 425 55% 62% **
LA 659 450 68% 83% **
MA 325 157 48% 60% 39%
MD 367 197 54% 68% *42%
ME 272 189 69% 74% 68%
MI 980 697 71% 88% 76%
MN 1,560 1,313 84% 89% *70%
MO 1,215 587 48% 59% 42%
MS 494 280 57% 65% **
MT 349 159 46% *61% 45%
NC 848 470 56% 64% *57%
ND 179 120 67% ** **
NE 296 160 54% 55% *61%
NH 221 132 60% 72% 61%
NJ 331 164 50% 59% 56%
NM 314 80 26% *51% 21%
NV 172 85 50% *68% 47%
NY 901 459 51% 72% 42%
OH 1,081 494 46% 57% *61%
OK 774 367 47% 62% **
OR 611 383 63% *70% 59%
PA 1,163 469 40% 60% 29%
RI 51 27 53% *61% *51%
SC 591 387 66% 77% *59%
SD 214 133 62% *81% **
TN 903 552 61% 76% *45%
TX 1,842 947 51% 59% **
UT 517 265 51% 86% 51%
VA 721 411 57% 62% *35%
VT 171 90 52% 74% 50%
WA 659 398 60% 80% 62%
WI 1,307 1,032 79% 89% *77%
WV 318 107 34% 49% 43%
WY 293 134 46% ** 44%
*Estimate based on small sample size.
**Sample size too small to report data reliably.
Ethnicity
Hispanic anglers are less likely to be
boaters. For each type of angler, the
percent of Hispanics that boat is notably
lower than Non-Hispanics.
Race
White anglers are more likely than other
races to use boats. 54% of Whites who
fish in freshwater are boaters, which
compares to 38% of Blacks, 22% of
Asians, and 43% of other races. 66% of
White bass anglers are boaters compared
to 55% of Blacks and 57% of other races.
Likewise, 48% of White trout anglers are
boaters compared to 45% of Blacks and
32% of others.
Annual Household Income
Higher incomes are generally associated
with a higher percentage of boaters.
The percentage of anglers who are
boaters does not rise consistently as
incomes increase, but generally shows
a positive correlation. For every type
of angler, those who are the least likely
to be boaters are those with the lowest
incomes. For freshwater anglers, those
with incomes of $100,000 or more have
the highest percentage of boaters. For
bass anglers the highest proportion
of boaters are those with incomes of
$100,000 or more and those with incomes
of $20,000–$24,999. For trout anglers, a
positive correlation between income and
boating participation is less discernable.
Education
There is some variation in boating
participation rates with respect to level
of education. The lowest percentage
of boaters for every type of angler is
among those with less than 12 years of
education. For freshwater anglers, those
with the highest percent of boating have
1–3 years of college. For bass anglers
those with 4 years of college have the
highest percentage, and for trout anglers
those with 1–3 years of college and 5 or
more years of college share the peak.
22 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
The descriptive statistics contained in
Table 10 and the adjoining discussion
address variations in the rate of boating
participation by angler characteristics.
As noted, numerous variables appear
to have some relationship with boating
participation. This section summarizes
the results of a regression analysis on
participation in some boating and avid
boating. Some boating is defined as at
least one day of boat use while fishing.
Avid boating is defined as greater than
16 days of boating while fishing. Only
25% of freshwater anglers used boats for
fishing more than 16 days in 2001. Thus,
anglers in the top 25% of boating days
are considered avid boaters. Regression
analysis can be used to evaluate whether
different variables have a significant
impact on angler participation in some
boating and avid boating.
The use of descriptive statistics alone as
in Table 10 is not the appropriate method
to test the validity of a relationship
between the various characteristics
and boating participation. There
are interrelationships among the
characteristic variables themselves
that can act to conceal the effect of
each on participation. For example, the
participation rate increases as income
increases and as age increases. However,
income also tends to increase with age.
This cross correlation acts to conceal
the independent impact that age and
income have on participation. By using
regression, the effect of each on the
probability of boating participation can
be isolated more effectively. Additionally,
regression permits assessment of
whether the correlations of the different
variables with boating participation are
significant. In other words it permits an
assessment of the probability that the
relationship occurred by chance.
The model employed is a continuation
ratio logit regression model. Essentially
this model treats boating participation
as a progression of stages: from no
boating to some boating, and then some
boating to avid boating. Graphically this
progression of stages is represented in
Figure 7.
This model permits an assessment of the
impact that numerous variables have on
the probability of participation in some
boating. Additionally, the model permits
an assessment of how the same variables
impact the probability that anglers will
participate in avid boating given that
they participate in some boating. By
using the continuation ratio model, one
can assess what variables are relatively
important in determining if an angler
will participate in some boating and
what variables are relatively important
for assessing whether an angler will
participate in avid boating.
In this analysis there are separate
regressions for bass and trout anglers.
The majority of factors important in
affecting the probability that a bass
angler will participate in some boating
and avid boating have a similar effect
for trout anglers, but there are some
differences. A summary of the results
is presented here and more detailed
explanations of the model, variables, and
results are in Appendix A.
For both trout and bass anglers,
increasing an angler’s income has
a significant positive impact on his
or her likelihood of participation in
some boating, but not avid boating.
If anything, the results suggest that
likelihood of participation in avid
boating may actually go down as income
increases. This could result because
those with higher incomes spend fewer
days participating in leisure activities, or
perhaps they do engage in similar levels
of leisure, but their activities are more
diverse. However, the lack of statistical
significance does not encourage full
confidence in the negative results.
Among bass anglers, age does not have
a significant impact on participation in
some boating. That is, all other things
equal, older anglers are not significantly
more likely to participate in some boating
than younger anglers. However, it does
have a significant positive impact on
participation in avid boating. For bass
anglers, the probability of avid boating
increases with age. These results
could suggest that greater leisure time
associated with retirement is particularly
important in determining whether a bass
angler will be an avid boater.
The results for boating participation by
age for trout anglers differ from those
of bass anglers. Older bass anglers are
significantly more likely to participate
in avid boating, but for trout anglers
this is not the case. However, older trout
anglers are significantly more likely to
participate in some boating.
Anglers residing in different states have
relatively greater variation in likelihood
of participation in some boating than
avid boating. It is not surprising that
residents of some states are more likely
to participate in boating than others.
Some states may possess weather that
is more suitable for boating than others,
and some may possess a relatively
plentiful supply of boatable water.
Consequently, it is not surprising that
Part Five — Fishing by Boat Model
Figure 7.
A.
No
Boating
B.
Boats
1–16 Days
C.
Boats
>16 Days
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 23
anglers who reside in some states are
more likely to participate in boating
than others. Among both trout and
bass anglers, significant differences
in likelihood of some boating between
states are common. However, residents
of relatively few states exhibit significant
differences in likelihood of avid boating.
Whatever the cause of differences in
some boating among states, water
accessibility, climate, etc., their impacts
on participation in avid boating are less
pronounced.
Table 12 presents the states whose
residents are most likely to use boats
while fishing. These states come from the
clusters with the highest coefficients in
the regressions. The table is segmented
by bass and trout anglers. Fishing for
each respective species need not occur
in the state of residence. Consequently,
those who sought bass and resided in
Hawaii did not necessarily fish for bass
there. They likely fished for bass while
visiting other states.
Among both trout and bass anglers,
the likelihood of females participating
in some boating is not significantly
different than males. However, females
are significantly less likely than males to
participate in avid boating.
Among bass anglers, Blacks and Other
Races are significantly less likely to
participate in some boating than Whites.
However, given that they participate
in some boating, there is no significant
difference in likelihood of avid boating
among Blacks, Other Races, and Whites.
Among trout anglers, there is no
significant difference among the races for
participation in either some boating or
avid boating.
The results largely suggest that anglers
residing in metropolitan statistical
areas (MSAs) of various sizes are no
less likely to participate in some boating
than those residing outside MSAs.
This is the case for both bass and trout
anglers. For bass anglers, those residing
in mid-sized MSAs of 250,000–999,999
are actually significantly more likely to
participate in some boating than those
who reside outside MSAs. Otherwise,
residents of MSAs of various sizes have
no statistically significant difference in
likelihood of some boating. Even bass
and trout anglers who reside in the
largest metropolitan areas, MSAs of one
million residents or more, do not have
significantly different participation in
boating than those who reside outside
MSAs.
Residents of large metropolitan areas
have a lower participation rate in fishing
than residents of non-metropolitan
areas. For U.S. residents over 16 years
old, 21% of those who live outside MSAs
freshwater fish compared to 9% of
those who live in MSAs of 1,000,000 or
more. However, given that individuals
do participate in freshwater fishing,
the likelihood of fishing from a boat is
not significantly different whether they
reside in or outside a MSA.
For bass anglers the results also indicate
that differences in the likelihood of
participation in avid boating between
residents of large metropolitan areas
and non-metropolitan areas are not
significant; however, for trout anglers this
is not the case. Trout anglers who reside
in small to mid-sized metropolitan areas
are more likely to participate in avid
boating than those who reside outside
metropolitan areas.
Both bass and trout anglers who
purchase books and magazines related
to fishing are significantly more likely
to participate in both some boating and
avid boating. For businesses interested
in marketing products to anglers who
are boaters, these results suggest that
print media may be effective in reaching
this audience. However, print media will
likely be less effective in reaching anglers
who are not boaters because anglers who
purchase books and magazines are less
likely to be non-boaters.
There are several different species
of fish that, if pursued, are associated
with a significantly higher rate of
participation in some boating or avid
boating. Interestingly several of the same
species variables are associated with
higher boating participation among both
trout and bass anglers: crappie, striped
bass, walleye, pike, and freshwater
salmon. Conversely, bass anglers who
also pursue catfish or steelhead have a
lower probability of participating in some
boating.
Trout anglers who seek numerous
different other fish species are
significantly more likely to participate
in some boating, but for bass anglers
this is not the case. If anything, the data
suggest that bass anglers who are more
specialized in the fish that they seek are
more likely to participate in boating.
Several variables related to the hunting
activities of anglers are associated
with significant differences in boating
participation. Bass anglers who hunt
deer or small game are significantly more
likely to participate in some boating.
Deer hunters are also significantly more
likely to participate in avid boating.
These results may be useful from a
marketing perspective. If a manufacturer
is interested in marketing a product to
all boaters or avid boaters, these results
suggest that knowledge of participation
in deer hunting could be useful. Trout
anglers who hunt for numerous different
species of game are significantly more
likely to participate in some boating and
avid boating. A possible explanation
for this result is that those who hunt
numerous species are likely to be more
avid outdoor recreationists.
Table 12. States whose Residents are Most
Likely to Participate in Some Boating
while Fishing
Bass Anglers Trout Anglers
AR AL
FL AR
HI FL
LA LA
ME ME
MI MI
MN MS
ND NE
NH NH
SC SC
SD WA
UT WI
WA
WI
WY
Some Boating refers to boating 1 to 16 days
while fishing.
24 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
In 2001, there were 10.7 million black
bass and 7.8 million trout anglers in
the U.S, who pursued bass nearly 160
million days and trout 83 million days.
Participation rates for both bass and
trout fishing vary dramatically among the
different states. The wide variations are
attributable to differences in freshwater
habitat, which often favor one species
over the other. Consequently, it is not
unusual to find that states with high
participation rates for bass fishing have
low participation in trout fishing and vice
versa.
Expenditures by bass and trout anglers
reveal the economic importance of both
recreational fish species. In 2001 bass
anglers spent $10.2 billion on trips and
equipment made pursuant to freshwater
fishing, and trout anglers spent $6.4
billion. Bass anglers averaged higher
equipment and trip-related spending
than trout anglers, but average spending
by both bass and trout anglers was
greater than that of all freshwater
anglers.
From a socioeconomic perspective, all
freshwater, bass, and trout anglers have
similarities and differences. They have
a similar distribution of participants
by age of the angler, with individuals
who are 35–44 years old comprising
the majority of participants for each.
Females comprise a higher proportion
of all freshwater anglers than they do
of either bass or trout anglers. Females
are more heavily concentrated among
anglers who seek species such as panfish,
catfish, or any freshwater fish. Bass
anglers and all freshwater anglers have
a similar educational distribution, but
trout anglers have a slightly higher
proportion with four years of college or
more. Both bass and trout anglers have
higher incomes on average than do all
freshwater anglers.
Summary
Fishing by boat is an important method
of fishing for both bass and trout anglers.
There are numerous socioeconomic
characteristics associated with different
rates of boating participation. Overall,
65% of bass anglers and 48% of trout
anglers fished from a boat at least one
day in 2001.
Regression analysis reveals that several
characteristics have a significant positive
or negative impact on either participation
in some boating or avid boating, where
some boating is defined as fishing from
a boat 1–16 days, and avid boating is
defined as fishing from a boat for more
than 16 days. For both trout and bass
anglers there are several characteristics
that have a significant positive impact
on either some boating or avid boating:
rising income, purchasing fishing related
books or magazines, and increasing age.
Bass and trout anglers who also seek
other fish species such as crappie, striped
bass, walleye, pike, and freshwater
salmon are significantly more likely to
participate in some boating. Conversely,
bass anglers who also pursue catfish or
steelhead have a lower probability of
participating in some boating.
Regression analysis also reveals that
there are several variables concerning
the hunting activities of anglers that are
associated with significant differences in
boating participation. Bass anglers who
hunt small game are significantly more
likely to participate in some boating,
and bass anglers who hunt deer are
significantly more likely to participate
in both some boating and avid boating.
Trout anglers who hunt numerous species
of animals are more likely to participate
in both some boating and avid boating.
Fishing remains one of the most
prominent recreational activities in the
U.S. It truly is a long standing tradition
that continues to retain appeal despite
the emergence of numerous other outlets
for leisure time. Fishing is not only
important as a leisure activity, it is also
a powerful engine of economic growth.
In 2001 anglers spent a total of $28.4
billion on freshwater and Great Lakes
fishing. This $28.4 billion generated
an estimated $74.8 billion in economic
output, $4.8 billion in tax revenue, and
683,892 jobs.5 Bass and trout are two of
the most pursued freshwater species by
anglers. Consequently, they are of vital
importance as a leisure resource and
catalyst for economic growth.
5 Sportfishing in America, American
Sportfishing Association 2002.
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 25
Appendix A
The Model
As discussed in Part Five, the
continuation ratio model is used in
situations where ordered categories
of the dependent variable represent a
progression of stages, so individuals must
pass through each lower stage before
they go on to higher stages.
The data are partitioned into three
groups, A, B, and C, as shown in Figure 7
on page 22. Logit regression is then
used to estimate the logarithm of the
odds ratio that an angler was in group B
rather than group A. A second regression
estimates the logarithm of the odds ratio
that an angler was in group C rather than
group B. The analysis was performed
for bass and trout anglers separately, so
there are two sets of results. With two
regressions apiece, the total number of
regressions is four.
Variables
The explanatory variables used in the
models are contained in Table A-1. The
bass and trout models have many of
the same variables, but there are some
differences.
The variables used in the regression
were selected from a large set of
potential explanatory variables through
a combination of Stepwise Model Fitting
and use of the likelihood ratio test.6
Many of the variables are nominal
variables. Each nominal variable used in
the regressions has a base or reference
case. The reference case is given a
value of zero in the estimated equation.
Consequently, the calculated coefficient
for the reference case is embodied in the
coefficient for the intercept term. The
reference case for each nominal variable
is given by the first level for each in Table
A-1. Thus, the reference case for the bass
angler regressions is as follows:
■ Residents of state cluster number one
■ Male
■ Lives outside a MSA
■ Did not hunt deer or small game
■ Did not fish for crappie, striped bass,
catfish, walleye, pike, freshwater
salmon, steelhead, saltwater salmon,
or redfish
■ Has five years of college or more
Every variable value other than the
reference case has a coefficient. For each
regression these coefficients indicate
the change in the log odds that occurs
when the value of the respective nominal
variable is different than the reference
case. For example, since “Five years of
college or more” is the reference case for
EDUC, each of the other levels (“Less
than four years of college,” and “Four
years of college”) will have a coefficient.
The coefficient for “Four years of college”
will indicate the change in the log odds
that results because a bass angler had
four years of college rather than five
years of college or more.
6 Consult author for additional information on
other model specifications, list of variables
that were not included in the final regression,
and information on Stepwise Model Fitting.
The CL_BASS and CL_TROUT
variables are clusters of states. The
states are partitioned into clusters such
that states in the same cluster are more
similar to each other in terms of boating
participation rate than with states in
different clusters. Why states within a
cluster are similar in terms of boating
participation is not known: it could be
that anglers within the states have
similar access to boatable water, or it
could be that states share similar climate,
which could make boating more or less
appealing. What is known is that the
states within a cluster are more similar
with regard to boating participation than
they are with states in other clusters.
The clusters for bass anglers and trout
anglers were both created using the
Greenacre procedure, which utilizes a
form of chi-square distancing.
The FISHCOUNT and HUNTCOUNT
variables in the trout angler regressions
indicate how many total different
species were pursued through fishing
and hunting. FISHCOUNT indicates
the total number of different species
that were pursued while fishing in 2001,
and HUNTCOUNT indicates the total
number of different species that were
pursued while hunting in 2001.
26 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Table A-1. Regression Explanatory Variables
Bass Anglers Trout Anglers
INCOME Ordinal variable with 10 levels, treated as continuous* INCOME Ordinal variable with 10 levels, treated as continuous*
AGE Age of recreationist in years for those older than 15 AGE Age of recreationist in years for those older than 15
CL_BASS Nominal variable with 6 levels that represent
clusters of states
CL_TROUT Nominal variable with 6 levels that represent
clusters of states
One = CT, ID, IN, MA, MD, MS, MT, NC, NJ, NV,
OK, RI, TX, VA
Two = AZ, CO, DE, IA, KS, KY, MO, NE, NM, OH, PA
Three = AR, FL, ME, NH, SC, UT
Four = AL, CA, GA, IL, NY, OR, TN, VT
Five = HI, LA, MI, MN, ND, SD, WA, WI, WY
Six = WV
One = AK, CA, CT, DE, NC, NJ, OH, OK, RI, UT
Two = AZ, HI, ID, KS, MA, MD, MT, NV, NY, SD, TN,
TX, WV, WY
Three = GA, IL, IN, MN, ND, OR, VT
Four = CO, IA, KY, MO, NM, PA, VA
Five = FL, ME, MS, NE, NH, SC, WA
Six = AL, AR, LA, MI, WI
SEX Indicator variable with 2 values to indicate
respondent gender
SEX Indicator variable with 2 values to indicate
respondent gender
Male Male
Female Female
FISHBOOK Indicator variable with 2 values FISHBOOK Indicator variable with 2 values
Did not purchase books or magazines
pertaining to fishing
Did not purchase books or magazines
pertaining to fishing
Purchased books or magazines pertaining to fishing Purchased books or magazines pertaining to fishing
MSA Nominal variable with 4 levels to indicate size of
residence
MSA Nominal variable with 4 levels to indicate size of
residence
1, 000, 000 or more 1, 000, 000 or more
250, 000–999, 999 250, 000–999, 999
50, 000–249, 999 50, 000–249, 999
Outside MSA Outside MSA
RACE Nominal variable with 3 levels to indicate race TURKEY Indicator variable with 2 values
White Did Not Hunt Turkey
Asian Hunted Turkey
Black
Other Races
SMALLGAME Indicator variable with 2 values CRAPPIE Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not Hunt Small Game Did Not fish for crappie
Hunted Small Game Fished for crappie
DEER Indicator variable with 2 values STRIPED Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not Hunt Deer Did Not fish for striped bass
Hunted Deer Fished for striped bass
CRAPPIE Indicator variable with 2 values WALLEYE Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not fish for crappie Did Not fish for walleye
Fished for crappie Fished for walleye
STRIPED Indicator variable with 2 values PIKE Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not fish for striped bass Did Not fish for pike
Fished for striped bass Fished for pike
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 27
*The levels of INCOME are as follows: Under $10,000, $10,000–$19,999, $20,000–$24,999, $25,000–$29,999, $30,000–$34,999, $35,000–$39,999, $40,000–$49,999,
$50,000–$74,999, $75,000–$99,999, $100,000 or More.
Table A-1. Regression Explanatory Variables
Bass Anglers Trout Anglers
WALLEYE Indicator variable with 2 values SALMON_F Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not fish for walleye Did Not fish for salmon in freswater
Fished for walleye Fished for salmon in freswater
PIKE Indicator variable with 2 values OTHER Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not fish for pike Did Not fish for other freshwater species
Fished for pike Fished for other freshwater species
SALMON_F Indicator variable with 2 values FISHCOUNT Number of species other than trout that were pursued
Did Not fish for salmon in freswater
STEELHEAD Indicator variable with 2 values HUNTCOUNT Number of species other than trout that were pursued
Did Not fish for steelhead
Fished for steelhead
SALMON_S Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not fish for salmon in saltwater
Fished for salmon in saltwater
REDFISH Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not fish for redfish
Fished for redfish
EDUC Nominal variable with 5 levels to indicate years of
education
5 years or more of college
4 years of college
Less than 4 years of college
28 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Results
Bass Anglers
The regression results for “No boating
to Some boating” and “Some boating to
Avid boating” are displayed separately
in Table A-2. A positive number in the
“Estimate” column for “No boating to
Some boating” indicates that the variable
in question has a positive relationship
with the likelihood that one participated
in some boating. A positive number in the
“Estimate” column for “Some boating to
Avid boating” indicates that the variable
in question has a positive relationship
with the likelihood that one participated
in avid boating given that he or she
boated at least one day. Additionally,
the Pr > ChiSq column indicates the
probability that the relationship between
each variable and the target variable
(some boating or avid boating) occurs
by chance. A Pr > ChiSq of less than
0.05 is considered strongly statistically
significant, while a value of less than 0.1 is
considered significant.
An example will serve to explain the
particulars of Table A-2. The results
for the no boating to some boating
regression indicates an estimate for
“Black” of –0.676. Since the base case
for RACE is “White,” the negative
result indicates that, all other things
equal, Black anglers are less likely to
participate in some boating. Additionally,
the Pr > ChiSq indicates a probability
of <.0001, which is strongly significant.
This significance indicates that there is
greater than a 99.99% probability that
the relationship between “Black” and
some boating did not occur by chance.
All other things equal, income has a
significant positive impact on probability
that a bass angler will participate in
some boating, but it does not have a
significant impact on participation in
avid boating. The estimated coefficient
in the avid boating regression is actually
negative, but it is not significant. The lack
of significance indicates a relatively high
probability that the relationship could
have occurred by chance.
Age does not have a significant impact on
participation in some boating. However,
it does have a significant positive impact
on participation in avid boating. As age
increases the probability of avid boating
also increases.
The results for CL_BASS indicate that
geography has a significant impact on
participation in some boating, but less
so for avid boating. The significant
differences in participation in some
boating are numerous. However, for
participation in avid boating, only those
states in cluster three are significantly
different than those in the base cluster.
Female anglers are not significantly less
likely than males to participate in some
boating. However, they are significantly
less likely to participate in avid boating.
The results for MSA residency suggest
that only those anglers that reside in
mid-sized metropolitan areas of 250,000–
999,999 are significantly more likely to
participate in some boating. However,
for avid boating, no metropolitan area is
significantly different than the base case
of “Outside MSA.”
Blacks and Other Races are significantly
less likely to participate in some boating
than Whites. However, no race is
significantly different from Whites in
participation in avid boating.
If bass anglers purchase books and
magazines pertaining to fishing, they are
significantly more likely to participate
in both some boating and avid boating.
Moreover, the impact on the probability
of some boating and avid boating is
similar, as evidenced by the similar
coefficients, 0.711 and 0.813.
If bass anglers also hunt for small game
or deer, they are significantly more
likely to participate in some boating.
Additionally, those who hunted for deer
are significantly more likely to participate
in avid boating. These results suggest
that there is a relatively good chance that
deer hunters that are also bass anglers
are not only boaters, but they are also
avid boaters.
There are numerous other fish species
that if pursued in addition to bass suggest
a higher probability of both some boating
and avid boating: crappie, striped
bass, walleye, and pike. One possible
explanation for their significance is that
these species are often pursued in lakes
as opposed to rivers, and lake anglers
tend to use boats at a higher rate than
river anglers.
Several other species suggest a higher
probability of some boating but not avid
boating: freshwater salmon, saltwater
salmon, and redfish. Bass anglers who
also pursue these species are significantly
more likely to participate in some boating
but not avid boating.
Anglers who also pursue catfish or
steelhead have a lower probability
of participating in some boating, but
for avid boating the results are not
significant. In other words they are
neither significantly more or less likely to
participate in avid boating.
There are some significant differences
in boating participation that result from
changes in education. Anglers with four
years of college are significantly more
likely than those with five or more years
of college to participate in some boating.
Those with less than four years of college
are more likely to participate in boating
than those with five or more years of
college, but this result is not significant.
However, for avid boating those with less
than four years of college are significantly
more likely to participate.
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 29
Table A-2. Analysis of Maximum Likelihood Estimates for Bass Anglers
No Boating to Some Boating Some Boating to Avid Boating
Parameter Value Estimate Chi-Square Pr > ChiSq Estimate Chi-Square Pr > ChiSq
Intercept –0.639 6.637 0.010 –2.235 42.806 <.0001
INCOME 0.057 12.154 0.001 –0.024 1.227 0.268
AGE 0.003 0.834 0.361 0.007 3.810 0.051
CL_BASS Two –0.352 11.322 0.001 –0.221 2.120 0.145
CL_BASS Three 0.530 15.430 <.0001 0.321 4.023 0.045
CL_BASS Four 0.216 3.296 0.069 0.120 0.610 0.435
CL_BASS Five 0.920 24.385 <.0001 0.258 1.939 0.164
CL_BASS Six –0.796 8.724 0.003 –0.095 0.042 0.837
SEX Female –0.118 1.325 0.250 –0.408 7.223 0.007
MSA 1,000,000 or more 0.022 0.044 0.834 0.014 0.001 0.921
MSA 250,000–999,999 0.273 6.184 0.013 –0.125 0.800 0.371
MSA 50,000–249,999 0.076 0.280 0.597 0.070 0.159 0.690
RACE Asian –0.717 1.940 0.164 0.041 0.002 0.962
RACE Black –0.676 10.942 0.001 –0.342 1.146 0.284
RACE Other Races –0.775 3.702 0.054 –0.455 0.553 0.457
FISHBOOK Purchased 0.711 31.276 <.0001 0.813 39.942 <.0001
SMALLGAME Hunted 0.486 16.051 <.0001 0.145 1.127 0.289
DEER Hunted 0.315 9.076 0.003 0.360 8.200 0.004
CRAPPIE Fished 0.400 18.384 <.0001 0.570 26.207 <.0001
STRIPED Fished 0.441 17.414 <.0001 0.531 19.352 <.0001
CATFISH Fished –0.215 5.663 0.017 –0.072 0.358 0.550
WALLEYE Fished 0.628 14.898 0.000 0.331 4.394 0.036
PIKE Fished 0.338 4.154 0.042 0.607 13.746 0.000
SALMON_F Fished 0.793 6.541 0.011 0.156 0.292 0.589
STEELHEAD Fished –0.681 2.931 0.087 –0.125 0.085 0.770
SALMON_S Fished 1.388 3.415 0.065 –0.290 0.362 0.547
REDFISH Fished 0.685 6.141 0.013 –0.383 1.927 0.165
EDUC Less than four years of college 0.190 1.693 0.193 0.642 9.779 0.002
EDUC Four years of college 0.301 3.233 0.072 0.135 0.336 0.562
30 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Trout Anglers
As with bass anglers, trout anglers with
higher incomes are also significantly
more likely to participate in some
boating. Additionally, the coefficient for
income is negative in the avid boating
regression, but, once again, the result is
not significant.
Unlike bass anglers, older trout anglers
are significantly more likely to participate
in some boating. However, they are not
significantly more likely to participate in
avid boating. If anything, the negative
coefficient suggests that older trout
anglers are less likely to be avid boaters.
The results for the geography variable,
CL_TROUT, are similar to those of bass
anglers. Participation in some boating
varies significantly by geographic
region. All regions but cluster three have
significantly different participation rates
in some boating. Residents of clusters
five and six are more likely to participate
in boating than those in cluster one.
Alternatively, residents in clusters two
and four are less likely to participate.
However, for avid boating, only residents
of cluster four are significantly different
than residents of cluster one. Residents
of cluster four are less likely to be avid
boaters.
As with bass anglers, female anglers are
not significantly less likely than males to
participate in some boating, but they are
significantly less likely to participate in
avid boating.
Trout anglers residing in metropolitan
areas of all sizes are not significantly
more or less likely to participate in some
boating than anglers residing outside
MSAs. However, anglers who reside in
metropolitan areas of 50,000–999,999
people are significantly less likely to be
avid boaters than that those who live
outside MSAs.
Blacks and Other Races are significantly
less likely to participate in some boating
than Whites. However, no race is
significantly different from Whites when
it comes to participation in avid boating.
As with bass anglers, trout anglers who
purchase books and magazines pertaining
to fishing are significantly more likely to
participate in both some boating and avid
boating. Unlike bass anglers, however,
the impact on the probability of some
boating and avid boating are different,
as evidenced by the different coefficients,
0.242 and 0.644.
Trout anglers who also hunted for turkey
are significantly less likely to participate
in some boating, but they are not
significantly less likely to participate in
avid boating.
Similar to bass anglers, trout anglers
pursuing some other species have
significant differences in their probability
of boating participation. Trout anglers
who also pursue crappie, striped bass,
and freshwater salmon are significantly
more likely to participate in some boating
and avid boating. Those who fished for
walleye are significantly more likely to
participate in some boating but not avid
boating, while those who fished for pike
and other freshwater species are not
significantly more likely to participate
in some boating, but given that they do
boat, they are significantly more likely to
be avid boaters.
The results suggest that trout anglers
who fish and hunt for numerous different
species are more likely to participate
in boating. As the number of different
species pursued by trout anglers
increase, the probability that they will
participate in some boating increases
significantly, which suggests that trout
anglers with diverse fishing interests are
more likely to participate in boating. This
could be because trout anglers who fish
for numerous species are more likely to
fish for trout in lakes rather than rivers,
and boating is more likely for lake fishing.
Interestingly, this variable was tested in
the bass angler regressions; and, while
not significant, it suggested a negative
relationship with boating participation. A
negative relationship indicates that bass
anglers who seek fewer different fish
species are more likely to participate in
boating.
Trout anglers who hunt numerous
different species of animals are
significantly more likely to participate
in both some boating and avid boating
than those who hunt few species. This
could result because hunters who hunt
numerous species are likely to be more
avid outdoor recreationists, and avid
outdoor recreationists are likely to be
avid anglers as well.
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 31
Table A-3. Analysis of Maximum Likelihood Estimates for Trout Anglers
No Boating to Some Boating Some Boating to Avid Boating
Parameter Value Estimate Chi-Square Pr > ChiSq Estimate Chi-Square Pr > ChiSq
Intercept –1.367 49.314 <.0001 –1.918 28.721 <.0001
INCOME 0.056 12.294 0.001 –0.033 1.364 0.243
AGE 0.007 7.237 0.007 0.006 1.396 0.238
CL_TROUT Two –0.327 9.337 0.002 –0.158 0.605 0.437
CL_TROUT Three 0.112 0.592 0.442 0.201 0.721 0.396
CL_TROUT Four –0.832 39.842 <.0001 –1.015 9.311 0.002
CL_TROUT Five 0.493 15.663 <.0001 0.107 0.287 0.592
CL_TROUT Six 1.034 14.577 0.000 0.322 1.039 0.308
SEX Female 0.012 0.015 0.901 –0.357 3.165 0.075
MSA 1,000,000 or more 0.063 0.422 0.516 –0.224 1.693 0.193
MSA 250,000–999,999 0.187 2.374 0.123 –0.501 5.027 0.025
MSA 50,000–249,999 –0.023 0.028 0.867 –0.668 6.924 0.009
FISHBOOK Purchased 0.242 4.009 0.045 0.644 12.644 0.000
TURKEY Hunted –0.390 3.926 0.048 –0.109 0.144 0.705
CRAPPIE Fished 0.472 8.386 0.004 0.896 18.399 <.0001
STRIPED Fished 0.441 8.462 0.004 0.452 4.675 0.031
WALLEYE Fished 0.741 17.414 <.0001 0.198 0.751 0.386
PIKE Fished 0.197 1.070 0.301 0.960 17.736 <.0001
SALMON_F Fished 0.715 27.914 <.0001 0.413 4.977 0.026
OTHER Fished 0.246 1.667 0.197 0.698 8.532 0.004
FISHCOUNT 0.138 12.043 0.001 0.013 0.055 0.815
HUNTCOUNT 0.149 27.408 <.0001 0.136 12.116 0.001
32 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States C3
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Division of Federal Assistance
Washington, DC 20240
August 2005
Cover: Dave Menke/USFWS

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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Black Bass and Trout
Fishing in the United States
Addendum to the 2001 National
Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and
Wildlife-Associated Recreation
Report 2001-10
Black Bass and Trout
Fishing in the United States
Addendum to the 2001 National
Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and
Wildlife-Associated Recreation
Report 2001-10
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
July 2005
Jerry Leonard
Division of Federal Assistance
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Arlington, VA
This report is intended to complement the National and State Reports for the
2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.
The conclusions in this report are the author’s and do not represent official positions
of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The author thanks Sylvia Cabrera, Richard Aiken, and Dave Buschena for
valuable input into this report.
2 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Part One—Participation in Black Bass and Trout Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Participation Nationally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Black Bass and Trout Participation by State where Fishing Occurs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Part Two—Socioeconomic Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Part Three—Expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Part Four—Boat Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Part Five—Fishing by Boat Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
The Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Contents
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 3
In the movie Field of Dreams James Earl
Jones says, “The one constant through all
the years has been baseball. America has
rolled by like an army of steamrollers.
It’s been erased like a blackboard,
rebuilt, and erased again. But baseball
has marked the time. “ While it is true
that baseball has withstood the test of
time, it is not the only thing to have done
so; fishing has also persevered. Former
president Hebert Hoover once said,
“Fishing is much more than fish. It is the
great occasion when we may return to the
fine simplicity of our forefathers.” Even
today, despite the multitudes of gadgets
and games that all vie for attention in this
electro-techno age, several recent polls
indicate that fishing trails only reading,
TV watching, and spending time with
family as Americans’ favorite leisure
activity.1
In 2001, 34.1 million U.S. residents over
15 years old participated in fishing, and
they fished a total of 557 million days.
To put the total of 34.1 million anglers
is perspective, one should consider
the following: in 2000 there were 37.5
million families in the U.S. with children
under 18.2 This 37.5 million includes
all single and two parent families and
all those families with children that
are not their own due to adoption, etc.
There are nearly as many anglers over
15 in the U.S. as there are families with
children under 18! When one considers
all the families that he or she encounters
at grocery stores, malls, movies, and
restaurants, the total number of anglers
seems astounding.
Moreover, fishing is not only important
as a leisure activity but also as a catalyst
for economic growth. In 2001 anglers
spent a total of $41.5 billion on fishing
trips and equipment, and this $41.5 billion
generated an estimated $116.1 billion in
economic output.3
Two of the most prominent species of
fish sought by anglers are black bass and
trout. Black bass includes all largemouth,
smallmouth, and spotted bass. Of all
anglers who fished in freshwater other
than the Great Lakes in 2001, 38%
sought black bass and 28% sought trout.
Additionally, the average spending of
both black bass and trout anglers on
fishing trips and equipment was notably
higher than that of all freshwater anglers.
This report seeks to broaden the
understanding of anglers for these two
highly desired freshwater species. It
provides information on participation
levels, socioeconomic characteristics,
expenditures, and boating usage of
both black bass and trout anglers. It is
intended to be used as an informational
tool by resource managers, academics,
product manufacturers, and other
interested parties. This report focuses
on freshwater fishing that does not occur
in the Great Lakes, which is consistent
with prior black bass and trout fishing
reports published by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. Unlike previous reports,
however, this report includes a short
section on the number of Great Lakes’
black bass and trout anglers.
For the sake of brevity, this report
employs the following definitions. Great
Lakes fishing is considered a distinct
type of fishing rather than “freshwater
fishing.” This distinction permits
Introduction
1 Harris Polls 1994–2004. Fishing follows only
these three activities in five out of the last
nine years.
2 “Statistical Abstract of the United States
2004–2005,” U.S. Census Bureau. 2004
3 “Sportfishing in America,” American
Sportfishing Association 2002.
Luther Goldman/USFWS
4 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
references to “freshwater fishing that
does not occur in the Great Lakes” to be
shortened to “freshwater fishing.” Great
Lakes fishing is addressed separately.
This report refers to black bass simply
as bass, and it excludes all other forms
of bass such as white bass, striped
bass, and striped bass hybrids. This
report excludes all boating activity for
purposes other than fishing. Anglers
may participate in recreational boating
for purposes other than fishing, such
as pleasure boating and sightseeing;
however, this activity is not included in
days of boating in this report. Anglers
who are considered boaters are those who
fish from a boat regardless of their use of
boats for purposes other than fishing.
Report Organization
The report is organized into four parts:
Part One: The “Participation in Black
Bass and Trout Fishing” section
examines the populations and geographic
dispersion of both types of anglers.
Estimates of total participation levels and
days of participation are made at national
and state levels.
Part Two: The “Socioeconomic
Characteristics” section examines
the socioeconomic characteristics of
all freshwater, black bass, and trout
anglers. Comparisons are made among
the different groups to promote a better
understanding of their unique features.
Part Three: The “Expenditures” section
provides a detailed analysis of spending
by all freshwater, black bass, and trout
anglers. Total and average spending
are calculated for numerous trip and
equipment categories.
Part Four: The “Boat Usage” section
examines the use of boats for fishing
among all freshwater, black bass,
and trout anglers. Socioeconomic
characteristics of those anglers who use
boats are examined in detail.
Part Five: Lastly, the “Fishing by Boat
Model” section summarizes the results
of a continuation ratio regression
model used to examine the impact
that numerous variables have on the
probability that anglers will participate
in some boating as opposed to no boating.
Additionally, the model is used to examine
what impact the same variables have on
the probability that an individual will
participate in avid boating given that he
or she participates in some boating.
All reported data contained herein
are from the 2001 National Survey
of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-
Associated Recreation (FHWAR).4
Consequently, all participation,
expenditures, and hunting behavior
statistics are representative of 2001.
Additionally, all data represents persons
age 16 years and older.
4 FHWAR documents are available on the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service webpage:
http://federalaid.fws.gov/surveys/
surveys.html.
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 5
Participation Nationally
Freshwater
Table 1 reveals the number of anglers,
days of fishing, and average days of
fishing for different freshwater species.
Additionally, the percent columns indicate
the share of total anglers and days of
fishing that are attributable to each
species. The percents do not sum to 100
because many anglers fish for multiple
species.
Part One — Participation in Black Bass and Trout Fishing
Table 1. Freshwater Anglers and Days of Fishing by Species Type: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
Anglers Days of fishing
Average days
Number Percent Number Percent per angler
Total, all types of fish 27,913 100% 443,247 100% 16
Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, etc.) 10,708 38% 159,847 36% 15
White bass, striped bass, and striped hybrids 4,946 18% 61,889 14% 13
Panfish 7,910 28% 103,294 23% 13
Crappie 6,657 24% 95,109 21% 14
Catfish and bullheads 7,517 27% 103,664 23% 14
Walleye and Sauger 3,269 12% 48,514 11% 15
Northern pike, pickerel, muskie 2,060 7% 27,290 6% 13
Trout 7,819 28% 83,325 19% 11
Salmon 1,369 5% 15,053 3% 11
Steelhead 536 2% 6,698 2% 12
Anything 4,741 17% 46,257 10% 10
Another type of freshwater fish 1,537 6% 17,277 4% 11
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses
From the perspective of both the number
of anglers and days of fishing, black
bass are the most pursued freshwater
fish species. Table 1 indicates that there
were 10.7 million black bass anglers in
2001, which is 35% more anglers than the
species with the second most anglers,
panfish. These 10.7 million anglers
fished for bass nearly 160 million days.
The average number of days that a bass
angler fishes for bass is 15 days. Walleye
and sauger are the only other species
sought for an average of 15 days.
Trout fishing ranks third in popularity
by number of freshwater anglers.
7.8 million trout anglers fished 83 million
days, which averages 11 days per angler.
11 days is lower than the majority of
other species. This lower average days
of fishing may be the result of relatively
short fishing seasons for trout, as well
as terrain, accessibility, and climate of
trout habitat.
6 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Table 2 presents the distribution of black
bass and trout anglers by geographic
region of the country. Additionally, it
indicates the percent of freshwater
anglers who were bass and trout anglers.
The region with the highest number of
bass anglers is the South Atlantic with 2.2
million, and the region with the highest
percent of bass anglers is the East South
Central with 50%. In several other
regions, more than 40% of freshwater
anglers pursued bass. The Mountain and
Pacific regions have substantially lower
percentages at around 20%. However,
the Mountain and Pacific regions have
the highest quantity and percent of
trout anglers. Combined these two
regions comprise more than half of all
trout anglers. Figure 1 shows a map of
the different regions along with their
respective percentages of freshwater
anglers who seek bass and trout.
Great Lakes
There is some bass and trout fishing in
the Great Lakes. In 2001, 589 thousand
anglers pursued bass a total of 6.4 million
days in the Great Lakes (Table 3). In
the Great Lakes bass are the second
most popular species behind perch.
There are roughly the same number of
trout anglers fishing in the Great Lakes
as bass anglers, 585 thousand. These
anglers sought trout for 6.0 million days,
which is also similar to the number of
days bass were pursued.
Table 2. Regional Residence of All Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Anglers: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
All Freshwater Anglers
Black Bass Anglers Trout Anglers
Percent of
Freshwater
Percent of
Region Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Freshwater
U.S. Total 27,913 100% 10,708 100% 38% 7,819 100% 28%
New England 1,030 4% 463 4% 45% 566 7% 55%
Middle Atlantic 2,113 8% 990 9% 47% 1,017 13% 48%
East North Central 4,790 17% 1,956 18% 41% 517 7% 11%
West North Central 3,749 13% 1,221 11% 33% 364 5% 10%
South Atlantic 4,629 17% 2,164 20% 47% 729 9% 16%
East South Central 2,356 8% 1,171 11% 50% 214 3% 9%
West South Central 3,661 13% 1,661 16% 45% 500 6% 14%
Mountain 2,393 9% 427 4% 18% 1,873 24% 78%
Pacific 3,193 11% 655 6% 21% 2,040 26% 64%
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 7
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Figure 1. Percent of Freshwater Anglers Who Seek Trout and Bass in the Bureau of Census Regions
Table 3. Great Lakes Anglers and Days of Fishing by Species Type: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands.)
Anglers Days of fishing
Average days
Number Percent Number Percent per angler
Total, all types of fish 1,847 100% 23,138 100% 13
Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, etc.) 589 32% 6,355 27% 11
Walleye and Sauger 571 31% 5,521 24% 10
Northern pike, pickerel, muskie 140 8% ** ** **
Perch 693 38% 6,597 29% 10
Salmon 516 28% 3,985 17% 8
Steelhead 338 18% 3,698 16% 11
Trout 585 32% 5,960 26% 10
Anything 217 12% 1,994 9% 9
Another type of Great Lakes fish 157 9% 1,769 8% 11
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses
**Sample size too small to report data reliably.
8 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Black Bass and Trout Participation by
State where Fishing Occurs
Table 4 presents the number of
freshwater, black bass, and trout
anglers by state where fishing occurred.
Additionally, the percent columns
indicate the share of all freshwater
anglers who are bass and trout anglers
respectively. There is a wide variation in
the proportion of anglers who seek bass
and trout by state. The wide variations
are attributable to differences in
freshwater habit, which often favor one
species over the other.
Table 4. Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Anglers by State Where
Fishing Occurred: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
Black Bass Anglers Trout Anglers
All Freshwater Number Percent Number Percent
U.S. Total 27,913 10,708 38% 7,819 28%
AK 266 ** ** 83 31%
AL 732 383 52% *19 *2%
AR 782 318 41% 131 17%
AZ 419 148 35% 219 52%
CA 1,865 495 27% 1,174 63%
CO 915 *71 *8% 806 88%
CT 255 112 44% 118 46%
DE 73 28 38% *11 *15%
FL 1,316 647 49% ** **
GA 1,017 389 38% 108 11%
HI *12 ** ** ** **
IA 542 192 36% *48 *9%
ID 416 53 13% 332 80%
IL 1,060 386 36% *58 *5%
IN 746 353 47% ** **
KS 404 170 42% *18 *4%
KY 780 339 44% *41 *5%
LA 659 273 41% ** **
MA 325 155 48% 133 41%
MD 367 155 42% 101 28%
ME 272 107 39% 163 60%
MI 980 316 32% 177 18%
MN 1,560 343 22% *64 *4%
MO 1,215 574 47% 195 16%
MS 494 239 48% ** **
MT 349 *22 *6% 293 84%
NC 848 375 44% 173 20%
ND 179 *6 *3% *6 *3%
NE 296 108 36% *25 *9%
NH 221 97 44% 121 55%
NJ 331 171 52% 140 42%
NM 314 *47 *15% 210 67%
NV 172 37 21% 111 65%
NY 901 387 43% 321 36%
OH 1,081 494 46% *76 *7%
OK 774 381 49% *59 *8%
OR 611 63 10% 417 68%
PA 1,163 548 47% 646 56%
RI 51 23 45% 22 43%
SC 591 285 48% *49 *8%
SD 214 22 10% *16 *7%
TN 903 461 51% 137 15%
TX 1,842 892 48% *140 *8%
UT 517 68 13% 431 83%
VA 721 390 54% 116 16%
VT 171 41 24% 100 58%
WA 659 102 15% 436 66%
WI 1,307 494 38% 115 9%
WV 318 143 45% 112 35%
WY 293 ** ** 256 88%
*Estimate based on small sample size.
**Sample size too small to report data reliably.
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 9
At 54% Virginia has the highest percent
of bass anglers. In Alabama, New Jersey,
and Tennessee, greater than 50% of
anglers seek bass. Among those states
with the lowest percentages are North
Dakota, Montana, and Colorado, which
all have less than 10%. The survey
sample sizes are too small to report
reliable estimates for Alaska, Wyoming,
and Hawaii. Figure 2 displays a graphical
representation of bass angler share of
freshwater anglers.
Many of the states with the lowest
percentages of bass anglers are among
the highest in percent of trout anglers.
More than 80% of freshwater anglers
pursued trout in Wyoming, Montana, and
Colorado. Conversely, less than 5% did so
in Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and
Alabama. The survey sample sizes are
too small to reliably report the percent of
trout anglers in Hawaii, Indiana, Florida,
Mississippi, and Louisiana. Figure 3
displays a graphical representation of the
trout angler share of freshwater anglers.
Figure 2. Percent of Freshwater Anglers Who Sought Black Bass
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􀀡􂄀􀀫􂭓 Small sample
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35–44 percent
≥ 45 percent
Figure 3. Percent of Freshwater Anglers Who Sought Trout
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< 10 percent
10–49 percent
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10 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Table 5. Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Days of Fishing by State Where
Fishing Occurred: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
Black Bass Days Trout Days
All Freshwater Days Number Percent Number Percent
U.S. Total 443,247 159,847 100% 83,325 100%
AK 2,110 ** ** 605 29%
AL 9,877 5,578 56% *154 *2%
AR 13,006 4,841 37% 727 6%
AZ 4,246 1,372 32% 1,661 39%
CA 19,385 4,121 21% 9,901 51%
CO 9,267 *864 *9% 7,637 82%
CT 3,516 1,576 45% 1,555 44%
DE 609 229 38% *67 *11%
FL 20,840 12,215 59% ** **
GA 13,076 4,434 34% 962 7%
HI *194 ** ** ** **
IA 7,485 2,552 34% *484 *6%
ID 4,070 526 13% 2,434 60%
IL 14,246 4,491 32% *1,188 *8%
IN 12,756 6,192 49% ** **
KS 5,662 2,395 42% *232 *4%
KY 12,394 5,160 42% *261 *2%
LA 8,419 2,997 36% ** **
MA 4,560 2,670 59% 1,727 38%
MD 4,269 2,281 53% 982 23%
ME 3,422 1,275 37% 1,777 52%
MI 12,817 2,641 21% 1,356 11%
MN 28,159 4,235 15% *834 *3%
MO 13,279 5,550 42% 1,186 9%
MS 8,466 2,886 34% ** **
MT 4,068 *394 *10% 2,957 73%
NC 12,073 4,619 38% 961 8%
ND 2,186 *71 *3% *40 *2%
NE 3,204 1,073 33% *141 *4%
NH 2,871 1,084 38% 1,276 44%
NJ 5,553 3,453 62% 1,519 27%
NM 2,485 *279 *11% 1,788 72%
NV 1,575 250 16% 1,068 68%
NY 13,022 5,021 39% 3,396 26%
OH 15,212 8,705 57% *761 *5%
OK 12,741 5,976 47% *325 *3%
OR 7,895 541 7% 4,077 52%
PA 17,201 6,955 40% 7,263 42%
RI 649 233 36% 273 42%
SC 8,713 4,217 48% *423 *5%
SD 2,984 245 8% *147 *5%
TN 15,035 7,250 48% 1,785 12%
TX 25,650 12,315 48% *824 *3%
UT 5,238 629 12% 3,899 74%
VA 10,847 5,139 47% 1,677 15%
VT 2,321 381 16% 1,305 56%
WA 9,800 1,393 14% 5,340 54%
WI 19,139 6,765 35% 1,521 8%
WV 4,152 1,757 42% 1,340 32%
WY 2,497 ** ** 2,054 82%
*Estimate based on small sample size.
**Sample size too small to report data reliably.
Table 5 presents the total days of
fishing for freshwater, black bass, and
trout by state where fishing occurred.
Additionally, the percent columns
indicate the share of all freshwater
fishing days in which anglers sought
bass and trout. Both Texas and Florida
have over 12 million days of bass fishing,
which is substantially higher than other
states. States with the highest percent
of freshwater days in which bass were
pursued include New Jersey, Florida, and
Massachusetts with 62%, 59%, and 59%
respectively. California has the most days
of trout fishing at 9.9 million. Colorado
and Pennsylvania both follow with around
7.5 million days. Colorado and Wyoming
have the highest percent of freshwater
days in which trout were pursued at 82%.
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 11
Table 6 presents the average days of
fishing for all freshwater species, black
bass, and trout. New Jersey, Florida, and
Indiana have the highest average days of
bass angling. Illinois and Virginia have
the highest average days of trout angling.
Table 6. Average Days Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Fishing by State Where
Fishing Occurred: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
All Freshwater Black Bass Trout
U.S. Total 16 15 11
AK 8 ** 7
AL 14 15 *8
AR 17 16 6
AZ 10 9 8
CA 11 8 9
CO 10 *12 10
CT 14 14 13
DE 9 8 *6
FL 16 19 **
GA 13 12 9
HI *17 ** **
IA 14 13 *10
ID 10 10 7
IL 14 12 *22
IN 17 18 **
KS 14 14 *13
KY 16 15 *6
LA 13 11 **
MA 14 18 14
MD 12 15 10
ME 13 12 11
MI 14 9 8
MN 18 13 *13
MO 11 10 6
MS 17 12 **
MT 12 *18 10
NC 14 12 6
ND 13 *12 *7
NE 11 10 *6
NH 13 11 11
NJ 17 20 11
NM 8 *6 9
NV 9 7 10
NY 15 13 11
OH 14 18 *10
OK 17 16 *6
OR 13 9 10
PA 15 13 11
RI 13 10 13
SC 15 15 *9
SD 14 12 *9
TN 17 16 13
TX 14 14 *6
UT 10 9 9
VA 15 13 14
VT 14 9 13
WA 15 14 12
WI 15 14 13
WV 13 13 12
WY 9 ** 8
*Estimate based on small sample size.
**Sample size too small to report data reliably.
12 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
This section provides a detailed analysis
of the socioeconomic characteristics of all
freshwater, bass, and trout anglers. The
socioeconomic characteristics addressed
include age, gender, education, and
income.
Part Two — Socioeconomic Characteristics
Table 7. Age Distribution of Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Anglers: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
All Freshwater Anglers
Black Bass Anglers Trout Anglers
Percent of
Freshwater
Percent of
Age Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Freshwater
U.S. Total 27,913 100% 10,708 100% 38% 7,819 100% 28%
16–17 1,146 4% 500 5% 44% 350 4% 31%
18–24 2,576 9% 1,056 10% 41% 663 8% 26%
25–34 5,452 20% 2,200 21% 40% 1,540 20% 28%
35–44 7,492 27% 2,979 28% 40% 2,261 29% 30%
45–54 5,469 20% 2,005 19% 37% 1,564 20% 29%
55–64 3,310 12% 1,171 11% 35% 798 10% 24%
65+ 2,469 9% 797 7% 32% 643 8% 26%
Age
The “Percent” columns for all freshwater,
black bass, and trout anglers in Table 7
reveal a very similar distribution by age.
The greatest percent of all three different
angler types is 35–44. The lowest percent
of all three occurs for ages 16–17.
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 13
Gender
Figure 4 indicates that both black
bass and trout anglers have a higher
concentration of males than all
freshwater anglers. 80% of bass anglers
and 78% of trout anglers are male,
which compares to 74% of all freshwater
anglers. There is a higher concentration
of females among anglers who pursue
other freshwater species including
panfish, catfish, or any freshwater fish
(which indicates pursuit of no particular
species).
Education
Figure 5 indicates that trout anglers are
slightly more likely to have four or more
years of college than all freshwater or
trout anglers. 30% of trout anglers have
four or more years of college, which
compares to 26% of both bass anglers and
all freshwater anglers.
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􀀒􁈀􀀐􁀀􀀅􀔀 􀀒􁈀􀀒􁈀􀀅􀔀
􀀢􂈀􀁍􄴀􀁍􄴀􀀁􀄀􀀧􂜀􀁓􅌀􀁆􄘀􀁔􅐀􀁉􄤀􀁘􅠀􀁂􄈀􀁕􅔀􀁆􄘀􀁓􅌀􀀁􀄀􀀢􂈀􀁏􄼀􀁈􄠀􀁍􄴀􀁆􄘀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀 􀀣􂌀􀁍􄴀􀁂􄈀􀁄􄐀􀁌􄰀􀀁􀄀􀀣􂌀􀁂􄈀􀁔􅐀􀁔􅐀􀀁􀄀􀀢􂈀􀁏􄼀􀁈􄠀􀁍􄴀􀁆􄘀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀 􀀵􃔀􀁓􅌀􀁐􅀀􀁖􅘀􀁕􅔀􀀁􀄀􀀢􂈀􀁏􄼀􀁈􄠀􀁍􄴀􀁆􄘀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅑆
Figure 4. Gender Distribution of Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Anglers: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
􀀢􂈀􀁍􄴀􀁍􄴀􀀁􀄀􀀧􂜀􀁓􅌀􀁆􄘀􀁔􅐀􀁉􄤀􀁘􅠀􀁂􄈀􀁕􅔀􀁆􄘀􀁓􅌀􀀁􀄀􀀢􂈀􀁏􄼀􀁈􄠀􀁍􄴀􀁆􄘀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀 􀀣􂌀􀁍􄴀􀁂􄈀􀁄􄐀􀁌􄰀􀀁􀄀􀀣􂌀􀁂􄈀􀁔􅐀􀁔􅐀􀀁􀄀􀀢􂈀􀁏􄼀􀁈􄠀􀁍􄴀􀁆􄘀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀 􀀵􃔀􀁓􅌀􀁐􅀀􀁖􅘀􀁕􅔀􀀁􀄀􀀢􂈀􀁏􄼀􀁈􄠀􀁍􄴀􀁆􄘀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀
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􀀑􁄀􀀗􁜀􀀅􀔀
􀀑􁄀􀀐􁀀􀀅􀔀 􀀑􁄀􀀐􁀀􀀅􀔀
􀀑􁄀􀀓􁌀􀀅􀔀
􀀑􁄀􀀎􀸀􀀒􁈀􀀒􁈀􀀁􀄀􀁚􅨀􀁆􄘀􀁂􄈀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀 􀀒􁈀􀀓􁌀􀀁􀄀􀁚􅨀􀁆􄘀􀁂􄈀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀 􀀒􁈀􀀎􀸀􀀔􁐀􀀁􀄀􀁚􅨀􀁆􄘀􀁂􄈀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀􀀁􀄀􀁐􅀀􀁇􄜀􀀁􀄀􀁄􄐀􀁐􅀀􀁍􄴀􀁍􄴀􀁆􄘀􀁈􄠀􀁆􄘀 􀀕􁔀􀀁􀄀􀁚􅨀􀁆􄘀􀁂􄈀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀􀀁􀄀􀁐􅀀􀁇􄜀􀀁􀄀􀁄􄐀􀁐􅀀􀁍􄴀􀁍􄴀􀁆􄘀􀁈􄠀􀁆􄘀 􀀖􁘀􀀁􀄀􀁚􅨀􀁆􄘀􀁂􄈀􀁓􅌀􀁔􅐀􀀁􀄀􀁐􅀀􀁓􅌀􀀁􀄀􀁎􄸀􀁐􅀀􀁓􅌀􀁆􄘀􀀁􀄀􀁐􅀀􀁇􄜀􀀁􀄀􀁄􄐀􀁐􅀀􀁍􄴀􀁍􄴀􀁆􄘀􀁈􄠀􀁆􄙆
Figure 5. Education Distribution of Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Anglers: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
14 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Income
Table 8 indicates that both bass and trout
anglers have higher incomes than all
freshwater anglers. 60% of trout anglers
and 58% of bass anglers have incomes of
$40,000 or more, which compares to 54%
of all freshwater anglers. Trout anglers
also have a smaller share of anglers with
less than $25,000. 9% of trout anglers
have incomes of less than $25,000
compared to 12% of freshwater and bass
anglers.
Table 8. Income Distribution of Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Anglers: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
All Freshwater Anglers
Black Bass Anglers Trout Anglers
Percent of
Freshwater
Percent of
Income Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Freshwater
U.S. Total 27,913 100% 10,708 100% 38% 7,819 100% 28%
Not Reported 4,178 15% 1,457 14% 35% 1,075 14% 26%
Under $10,000 755 3% 245 2% 32% 156 2% 21%
$10,000–$19,999 1,413 5% 485 5% 34% 282 4% 20%
$20,000–$24,999 1,223 4% 505 5% 41% 241 3% 20%
$25,000–$29,999 1,539 6% 535 5% 35% 372 5% 24%
$30,000–$34,999 1,743 6% 634 6% 36% 533 7% 31%
$35,000–$39,999 1,640 6% 703 7% 43% 447 6% 27%
$40,000–$49,999 3,152 11% 1,283 12% 41% 842 11% 27%
$50,000–$74,999 5,920 21% 2,316 22% 39% 1,791 23% 30%
$75,000–$99,999 3,205 11% 1,239 12% 39% 1,050 13% 33%
$100,000 or More 3,146 11% 1,307 12% 42% 1,030 13% 33%
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 15
This section examines spending made
pursuant to freshwater fishing in 2001.
It does not include spending on saltwater
or Great Lakes fishing. Spending is
examined by type of angler not by type
of fish pursued. The different types of
anglers considered include freshwater,
bass, and trout, where one must
participate in each respective type of
fishing to be considered as such. The
categories are not mutually exclusive.
On the contrary, all bass anglers and
trout anglers are freshwater anglers,
and some bass anglers are also trout
anglers and vice versa. Consequently,
the spending of bass anglers includes
spending made pursuant to other
freshwater species such as walleye,
panfish, catfish, or trout. Examining
expenditures in this manner permits
analysis of how the average expenditures
of both bass and trout anglers differ from
one another and how they both differ
from all freshwater anglers.
Expenditures by type of angler and
spending category are presented in
Table 9. Both bass and trout anglers
average higher trip expenditures than all
freshwater anglers. Bass anglers spent
$10.2 billion on trips and equipment made
pursuant to freshwater fishing. Trout
anglers spent $6.4 billion. Dividing these
spending totals by the number of bass
and trout anglers results in averages
of $949 and $816 respectively. Bass
anglers average higher spending than
trout anglers and both have averages
considerably higher than that of all
freshwater anglers, $716.
For trip costs bass anglers average
higher spending than both trout anglers
and all freshwater anglers; however,
there are numerous categories of trip
spending in which trout anglers have
higher average spending than bass
anglers. Trout anglers average higher
spending on food, lodging, private
transportation, public transportation,
guide fees, public and private land use
fees, and heating fuel. The overall higher
trip average for bass anglers is primarily
attributable to higher spending in two
categories: boating costs and bait. The
average boating costs of bass anglers is
nearly three times that of trout anglers.
For equipment expenditures, bass
anglers average higher expenditures
in nearly every category. Bass anglers
average higher expenditures for rods,
reels, tackle boxes, lures, depth finders,
etc. However, trout anglers average
higher spending for auxiliary equipment
such as camping equipment and clothing,
which can also be used for other types of
outdoor recreation, but is primarily used
for fishing.
Bass anglers average substantially
higher special equipment expenditures.
They average $342 compared to $240 for
trout anglers and $255 for all freshwater
anglers. Further inspection reveals that
this is primarily due to higher spending
of bass anglers on boats and recreational
vehicles such as vans, motor homes, and
campers.
Part Three — Expenditures
16 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Table 9. Expenditures of All Freshwater, Black Bass, and Trout Anglers: 2001
(Population 16 years of age and older. In thousands of dollars, except for averages. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
All
Freshwater
Average
Freshwater
Black Bass
Anglers
Average
Bass
Trout
Anglers
Average
Trout
Total, all items 19,972,014 716 10,162,305 949 6,383,055 816
Trip-Related Expenditures
Total trip-related 9,392,904 337 4,679,998 437 3,354,867 429
Food and lodging, total 4,028,437 144 1,908,179 178 1,534,506 196
Food 2,923,180 105 1,412,445 132 1,089,730 139
Lodging 1,105,257 40 495,734 46 444,776 57
Transportation, total 2,624,595 94 1,245,559 116 1,009,620 129
Public 209,056 7 85,974 8 109,058 14
Private 2,415,539 87 1,159,586 108 900,561 115
Other trip costs, total 2,739,872 98 1,526,260 143 810,742 104
Guide fees, pack trip or package fees 236,495 8 119,622 11 109,570 14
Public land use fees 90,904 3 46,927 4 39,228 5
Private land use fees 67,731 2 33,386 3 24,040 3
Equipment rental 128,813 5 66,252 6 58,027 7
Boating costs 1,194,849 43 737,716 69 267,076 34
Heating and cooking fuel 67,266 2 27,762 3 27,648 4
Bait 761,793 27 392,269 37 219,547 28
Ice 192,022 7 102,327 10 65,607 8
Equipment Expenses
Fishing Equipment 2,959,515 106 1,589,669 148 931,887 119
Rods, reels, poles and rodmaking components 1,171,010 42 620,420 58 393,387 50
Lines and leaders 305,802 11 162,881 15 105,497 13
Artificial lures, flies, baits and dressing 585,275 21 349,775 33 197,248 25
Hooks, sinkers, and swivels 228,785 8 117,815 11 72,172 9
Tackle boxes 91,603 3 55,461 5 28,286 4
Creels, stringers, fish bags and landing gear 63,898 2 31,563 3 16,618 2
Minnow traps, seines, and bait containers 33,064 1 19,948 2 5,768 1
Depth and fish finders, and other electronics 228,855 8 108,756 10 31,694 4
Ice fishing equipment 77,867 3 28,811 3 17,440 2
Other fishing equipment 173,356 6 94,240 9 63,777 8
Auxillary equipment 498,449 18 234,775 22 217,414 28
Camping equipment 278,991 10 122,416 11 117,511 15
Binoculars, spotting scopes 17,875 1 10,593 1 7,032 1
Special fishing and hunting clothing, boots,
foul weather gear
159,143 6 77,732 7 79,048 10
Other 27,445 1 12,313 1 10,980 1
Special equipment 7,121,146 255 3,657,862 342 1,878,887 240
Note: “Special equipment” includes purchases of big ticket items such as boats, campers, trucks, and cabins that are primarily purchased for use in
wildlife-related recreation.
Note: Spending is examined here by type of angler (freshwater, bass, and trout) not by type of fish pursued. One must participate in each respective type of fishing
to be considered as such. The categories are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, all bass anglers and trout anglers are freshwater anglers, and some bass
anglers are also trout anglers and vice versa. Consequently, the spending of bass anglers includes spending made pursuant to other freshwater species such as
walleye, panfish, or catfish.
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 17
This section examines the socioeconomic
characteristics of anglers who use boats
for fishing. A respondent is identified
as a boating angler or boater if he or
she fished from a boat at least one day
during 2001. The boating referred to
herein only concerns that portion of all
boating that is related to fishing, and
anglers who are considered boaters are
those who fish from a boat regardless of
their use of boats for purposes other than
fishing. Examining the socioeconomic
characteristics of those anglers who
boated at least one day permits an
understanding of what variables
are associated with higher boating
participation.
Table 10 presents socioeconomic
characteristics of freshwater, bass, and
trout anglers who boated. The columns
indicate the total number of freshwater,
bass, and trout anglers, how many of each
boated, and what percent were boaters.
For example, the first row and first
column of Table 10 indicates there were
27.9 million freshwater anglers in 2001.
The second column indicates that 14.8
million freshwater anglers fished from a
boat. The third column indicates that the
14.8 million boaters represent 53% of all
freshwater anglers.
Overall 53% of freshwater anglers,
65% of bass anglers, and 48% of trout
anglers fished from a boat at least one
day. Deviations from these overall
percentages in the rows indicates
characteristics that are associated with
higher or lower boating participation.
Part Four — Boat Usage
Population Size of Residence
The population size of residence is
measured in terms of metropolitan
statistical area (MSA). “The general
concept of a metropolitan . . . statistical
area is that of a core area containing a
substantial population nucleus, together
with adjacent communities having a high
degree of economic and social integration
with that core . . . Each metropolitan
statistical area must have at least
one urbanized area of 50,000 or more
inhabitants. ”
Consequently, classification by MSA
provides information on the population
of angler residences. The categories of
MSA listed in Table 10 indicate whether
an angler lived in a MSA of various sizes
or lived outside a MSA, which indicates a
more rural residency.
The proportion of anglers that
participated in boating varies little with
respect to MSA. For all freshwater
anglers the percentage of boating is
slightly higher among those anglers that
reside in MSAs of 50,000–249,999 and
250,000–999,999, where the percentages
rise to 56% and 55% respectively. For
bass anglers the percentage is highest
among those who reside in MSAs
250,000–999,999, and for trout anglers it
is highest for those in MSAs of 50,000–
249,999.
Fred Youngblood/USFWS
18 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
continues
Table 10. Selected Characteristics of Freshwater, Bass, and Trout Anglers who Use Boats for Fishing
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
All
Freshwater
Anglers
Freshwater
Boaters Percent
Black
Bass
Anglers
Black
Bass
Boaters Percent
Trout
Anglers
Trout
Boaters Percent
Total All Persons 27,913 14,787 53% 10,708 6,993 65% 7,819 3,720 48%
Population Size of Residence
Metropolitan statistical area (MSA) 19,136 10,217 53% 7,618 5,029 66% 5,704 2,788 49%
1,000,000 or more 10,220 5,292 52% 3,966 2,529 64% 3,601 1,733 48%
250,000 to 999,999 5,638 3,088 55% 2,533 1,747 69% 1,304 637 49%
50,000 to 249,999 3,278 1,838 56% 1,119 753 67% 798 418 52%
Outside MSA 8,777 4,569 52% 3,090 1,963 64% 2,115 932 44%
Census Geographic Region
New England 1,030 539 52% 463 297 64% 566 295 52%
Middle Atlantic 2,113 911 43% 990 619 63% 1,017 347 34%
East North Central 4,790 2,727 57% 1,956 1,326 68% 517 329 64%
West North Central 3,749 2,235 60% 1,221 765 63% 364 160 44%
South Atlantic 4,629 2,382 51% 2,164 1,397 65% 729 356 49%
East South Central 2,356 1,313 56% 1,171 773 66% 214 105 49%
West South Central 3,661 1,954 53% 1,661 1,087 65% 500 255 51%
Mountain 2,393 1,012 42% 427 259 61% 1,873 749 40%
Pacific 3,193 1,715 54% 655 471 72% 2,040 1,124 55%
Age
16–17 1,146 557 49% 500 315 63% 350 164 47%
18–24 2,576 1,227 48% 1,056 637 60% 663 264 40%
25–34 5,452 2,782 51% 2,200 1,415 64% 1,540 695 45%
35–44 7,492 3,847 51% 2,979 1,851 62% 2,261 1,130 50%
45–54 5,469 3,121 57% 2,005 1,417 71% 1,564 765 49%
55–64 3,310 1,988 60% 1,171 866 74% 798 420 53%
65+ 2,469 1,265 51% 797 491 62% 643 283 44%
Gender
Male 20,729 11,502 55% 8,615 5,716 66% 6,110 3,007 49%
Female 7,184 3,285 46% 2,093 1,277 61% 1,709 713 42%
Ethnicity
Hispanic 1,081 382 35% 349 185 53% 426 166 39%
Non-Hispanic 26,832 14,405 54% 10,359 6,807 66% 7,393 3,554 48%
Race
White 26,176 14,143 54% 10,122 6,697 66% 7,489 3,578 48%
Black 1,235 470 38% 436 238 55% 124 56 45%
Asian 198 43 22% 77 ** ** 57 ** **
All Others 304 130 43% *73 *42 *57% *126 *40 *32%
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 19
Table 10. Selected Characteristics of Freshwater, Bass, and Trout Anglers who Use Boats for Fishing – continued
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands. Excludes Great Lakes fishing.)
All
Freshwater
Anglers
Freshwater
Boaters Percent
Black
Bass
Anglers
Black
Bass
Boaters Percent
Trout
Anglers
Trout
Boaters Percent
Annual Household Income
Under $10,000 755 299 40% 245 121 49% 156 64 41%
$10,000–$19,999 1,413 666 47% 485 278 57% 282 147 52%
$20,000–$24,999 1,223 637 52% 505 351 70% 241 112 46%
$25,000–$29,999 1,539 692 45% 535 340 64% 372 167 45%
$30,000–$34,999 1,743 838 48% 634 389 61% 533 220 41%
$35,000–$39,999 1,640 862 53% 703 413 59% 447 228 51%
$40,000–$49,999 3,152 1,786 57% 1,283 842 66% 842 437 52%
$50,000–$74,999 5,920 3,248 55% 2,316 1,532 66% 1,791 844 47%
$75,000–$99,999 3,205 1,790 56% 1,239 847 68% 1,050 490 47%
$100,000 or More 3,146 1,841 59% 1,307 920 70% 1,030 521 51%
Not Reported 4,178 2,128 51% 1,457 959 66% 1,075 490 46%
Education
11 years or less 3,539 1,651 47% 1,434 869 61% 777 347 45%
12 years 9,842 5,150 52% 3,781 2,480 66% 2,489 1,167 47%
1–3 years of college 7,362 4,136 56% 2,765 1,819 66% 2,191 1,066 49%
4 years of college 4,346 2,382 55% 1,679 1,170 70% 1,339 639 48%
5 years or more of college 2,824 1,468 52% 1,049 654 62% 1,023 501 49%
*Estimate based on small sample size.
**Sample size too small to report data reliably.
20 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Census Geographic Region
Boating participation differs considerably
by geographic region of residence.
However, the percent of bass anglers
who use boats is relatively consistent
compared to all freshwater and trout
anglers. For all freshwater anglers the
percentage of boaters ranges from a
high of 60% in the West North Central
to a low of 42% in the Mountain region.
For trout anglers the percentage ranges
from 64% in the East North Central to
34% in the Middle Atlantic. For bass
anglers, most regions have percentages
that are relatively close to the overall
average of 65%. The Pacific has the
highest percentage at 72%, and Mountain
has the lowest at 61%. Figure 6 presents
a graphical display of the percent of all
freshwater, trout, and bass anglers who
participate in boating by region.
State of Residence
Table 11 presents geographic differences
in boating at the state level. Besides
presenting geographic differences at a
more refined level than regional, which
appears in Table 10, the information
presented here is by state where
fishing occurred rather than by place
of residence. Given the differences
in fishable water that occurs among
states, it is not surprising to find that
the percent of boating participation
differs considerably. Also unsurprising
is that the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,”
Minnesota, has the highest percentage
of freshwater anglers who use boats
at 84%. Other prominent lake fishing
states in the Midwest such as Wisconsin
and Michigan closely follow at 79% and
71% respectively. States with a high
proportion of river fishing such as New
Mexico, West Virginia, or Colorado have
comparatively lower share of freshwater
boating anglers, at 26%, 34%, and 39%
respectively.
Age
The percentage of anglers who use boats
is positively correlated with age. In other
words, as age increases so too does the
percentage of anglers that use boats.
Anglers 18–24 years old have the lowest
percentage of boaters. This is the case for
all freshwater, bass, and trout anglers.
The highest percentage of boaters is also
the same among the different types of
anglers: 55–64 years old. As well, beyond
64 the percentage of boaters declines for
each.
Gender
Male freshwater, bass, and trout anglers
are more likely to be boaters than
females. 55% of male freshwater anglers
use boats compared to 46% of female.
Similarly, 66% of male bass anglers and
49% of male trout anglers use boats
compared to 61% and 42% of females.
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Figure 6. Percent of All Freshwater, Trout, and Bass Anglers Who Use Boats for Fishing in the Bureau of Census Regions
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 21
Table 11. Boating Participation by State where Fishing Occurred
(Population 16 years of age and older. Numbers in thousands.)
All
Freshwater
Anglers
Freshwater
Black Bass
Anglers Trout Anglers
Boaters Percent Percent Boaters Percent Boaters
U.S. Total 27,913 14,787 53% 65% 48%
AK 266 159 60% ** 57%
AL 732 470 64% 72% *92%
AR 782 533 68% 81% *57%
AZ 419 211 50% 60% 45%
CA 1,865 964 52% 70% 52%
CO 915 361 40% *39% 39%
CT 255 125 49% 68% 43%
DE 73 38 52% 63% *39%
FL 1,316 759 58% 72% **
GA 1,017 522 51% 67% *55%
HI *12 ** ** ** **
IA 542 268 50% 54% **
ID 416 198 48% *63% 44%
IL 1,060 479 45% 55% **
IN 746 385 52% 63% **
KS 404 184 46% 61% **
KY 780 425 55% 62% **
LA 659 450 68% 83% **
MA 325 157 48% 60% 39%
MD 367 197 54% 68% *42%
ME 272 189 69% 74% 68%
MI 980 697 71% 88% 76%
MN 1,560 1,313 84% 89% *70%
MO 1,215 587 48% 59% 42%
MS 494 280 57% 65% **
MT 349 159 46% *61% 45%
NC 848 470 56% 64% *57%
ND 179 120 67% ** **
NE 296 160 54% 55% *61%
NH 221 132 60% 72% 61%
NJ 331 164 50% 59% 56%
NM 314 80 26% *51% 21%
NV 172 85 50% *68% 47%
NY 901 459 51% 72% 42%
OH 1,081 494 46% 57% *61%
OK 774 367 47% 62% **
OR 611 383 63% *70% 59%
PA 1,163 469 40% 60% 29%
RI 51 27 53% *61% *51%
SC 591 387 66% 77% *59%
SD 214 133 62% *81% **
TN 903 552 61% 76% *45%
TX 1,842 947 51% 59% **
UT 517 265 51% 86% 51%
VA 721 411 57% 62% *35%
VT 171 90 52% 74% 50%
WA 659 398 60% 80% 62%
WI 1,307 1,032 79% 89% *77%
WV 318 107 34% 49% 43%
WY 293 134 46% ** 44%
*Estimate based on small sample size.
**Sample size too small to report data reliably.
Ethnicity
Hispanic anglers are less likely to be
boaters. For each type of angler, the
percent of Hispanics that boat is notably
lower than Non-Hispanics.
Race
White anglers are more likely than other
races to use boats. 54% of Whites who
fish in freshwater are boaters, which
compares to 38% of Blacks, 22% of
Asians, and 43% of other races. 66% of
White bass anglers are boaters compared
to 55% of Blacks and 57% of other races.
Likewise, 48% of White trout anglers are
boaters compared to 45% of Blacks and
32% of others.
Annual Household Income
Higher incomes are generally associated
with a higher percentage of boaters.
The percentage of anglers who are
boaters does not rise consistently as
incomes increase, but generally shows
a positive correlation. For every type
of angler, those who are the least likely
to be boaters are those with the lowest
incomes. For freshwater anglers, those
with incomes of $100,000 or more have
the highest percentage of boaters. For
bass anglers the highest proportion
of boaters are those with incomes of
$100,000 or more and those with incomes
of $20,000–$24,999. For trout anglers, a
positive correlation between income and
boating participation is less discernable.
Education
There is some variation in boating
participation rates with respect to level
of education. The lowest percentage
of boaters for every type of angler is
among those with less than 12 years of
education. For freshwater anglers, those
with the highest percent of boating have
1–3 years of college. For bass anglers
those with 4 years of college have the
highest percentage, and for trout anglers
those with 1–3 years of college and 5 or
more years of college share the peak.
22 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
The descriptive statistics contained in
Table 10 and the adjoining discussion
address variations in the rate of boating
participation by angler characteristics.
As noted, numerous variables appear
to have some relationship with boating
participation. This section summarizes
the results of a regression analysis on
participation in some boating and avid
boating. Some boating is defined as at
least one day of boat use while fishing.
Avid boating is defined as greater than
16 days of boating while fishing. Only
25% of freshwater anglers used boats for
fishing more than 16 days in 2001. Thus,
anglers in the top 25% of boating days
are considered avid boaters. Regression
analysis can be used to evaluate whether
different variables have a significant
impact on angler participation in some
boating and avid boating.
The use of descriptive statistics alone as
in Table 10 is not the appropriate method
to test the validity of a relationship
between the various characteristics
and boating participation. There
are interrelationships among the
characteristic variables themselves
that can act to conceal the effect of
each on participation. For example, the
participation rate increases as income
increases and as age increases. However,
income also tends to increase with age.
This cross correlation acts to conceal
the independent impact that age and
income have on participation. By using
regression, the effect of each on the
probability of boating participation can
be isolated more effectively. Additionally,
regression permits assessment of
whether the correlations of the different
variables with boating participation are
significant. In other words it permits an
assessment of the probability that the
relationship occurred by chance.
The model employed is a continuation
ratio logit regression model. Essentially
this model treats boating participation
as a progression of stages: from no
boating to some boating, and then some
boating to avid boating. Graphically this
progression of stages is represented in
Figure 7.
This model permits an assessment of the
impact that numerous variables have on
the probability of participation in some
boating. Additionally, the model permits
an assessment of how the same variables
impact the probability that anglers will
participate in avid boating given that
they participate in some boating. By
using the continuation ratio model, one
can assess what variables are relatively
important in determining if an angler
will participate in some boating and
what variables are relatively important
for assessing whether an angler will
participate in avid boating.
In this analysis there are separate
regressions for bass and trout anglers.
The majority of factors important in
affecting the probability that a bass
angler will participate in some boating
and avid boating have a similar effect
for trout anglers, but there are some
differences. A summary of the results
is presented here and more detailed
explanations of the model, variables, and
results are in Appendix A.
For both trout and bass anglers,
increasing an angler’s income has
a significant positive impact on his
or her likelihood of participation in
some boating, but not avid boating.
If anything, the results suggest that
likelihood of participation in avid
boating may actually go down as income
increases. This could result because
those with higher incomes spend fewer
days participating in leisure activities, or
perhaps they do engage in similar levels
of leisure, but their activities are more
diverse. However, the lack of statistical
significance does not encourage full
confidence in the negative results.
Among bass anglers, age does not have
a significant impact on participation in
some boating. That is, all other things
equal, older anglers are not significantly
more likely to participate in some boating
than younger anglers. However, it does
have a significant positive impact on
participation in avid boating. For bass
anglers, the probability of avid boating
increases with age. These results
could suggest that greater leisure time
associated with retirement is particularly
important in determining whether a bass
angler will be an avid boater.
The results for boating participation by
age for trout anglers differ from those
of bass anglers. Older bass anglers are
significantly more likely to participate
in avid boating, but for trout anglers
this is not the case. However, older trout
anglers are significantly more likely to
participate in some boating.
Anglers residing in different states have
relatively greater variation in likelihood
of participation in some boating than
avid boating. It is not surprising that
residents of some states are more likely
to participate in boating than others.
Some states may possess weather that
is more suitable for boating than others,
and some may possess a relatively
plentiful supply of boatable water.
Consequently, it is not surprising that
Part Five — Fishing by Boat Model
Figure 7.
A.
No
Boating
B.
Boats
1–16 Days
C.
Boats
>16 Days
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 23
anglers who reside in some states are
more likely to participate in boating
than others. Among both trout and
bass anglers, significant differences
in likelihood of some boating between
states are common. However, residents
of relatively few states exhibit significant
differences in likelihood of avid boating.
Whatever the cause of differences in
some boating among states, water
accessibility, climate, etc., their impacts
on participation in avid boating are less
pronounced.
Table 12 presents the states whose
residents are most likely to use boats
while fishing. These states come from the
clusters with the highest coefficients in
the regressions. The table is segmented
by bass and trout anglers. Fishing for
each respective species need not occur
in the state of residence. Consequently,
those who sought bass and resided in
Hawaii did not necessarily fish for bass
there. They likely fished for bass while
visiting other states.
Among both trout and bass anglers,
the likelihood of females participating
in some boating is not significantly
different than males. However, females
are significantly less likely than males to
participate in avid boating.
Among bass anglers, Blacks and Other
Races are significantly less likely to
participate in some boating than Whites.
However, given that they participate
in some boating, there is no significant
difference in likelihood of avid boating
among Blacks, Other Races, and Whites.
Among trout anglers, there is no
significant difference among the races for
participation in either some boating or
avid boating.
The results largely suggest that anglers
residing in metropolitan statistical
areas (MSAs) of various sizes are no
less likely to participate in some boating
than those residing outside MSAs.
This is the case for both bass and trout
anglers. For bass anglers, those residing
in mid-sized MSAs of 250,000–999,999
are actually significantly more likely to
participate in some boating than those
who reside outside MSAs. Otherwise,
residents of MSAs of various sizes have
no statistically significant difference in
likelihood of some boating. Even bass
and trout anglers who reside in the
largest metropolitan areas, MSAs of one
million residents or more, do not have
significantly different participation in
boating than those who reside outside
MSAs.
Residents of large metropolitan areas
have a lower participation rate in fishing
than residents of non-metropolitan
areas. For U.S. residents over 16 years
old, 21% of those who live outside MSAs
freshwater fish compared to 9% of
those who live in MSAs of 1,000,000 or
more. However, given that individuals
do participate in freshwater fishing,
the likelihood of fishing from a boat is
not significantly different whether they
reside in or outside a MSA.
For bass anglers the results also indicate
that differences in the likelihood of
participation in avid boating between
residents of large metropolitan areas
and non-metropolitan areas are not
significant; however, for trout anglers this
is not the case. Trout anglers who reside
in small to mid-sized metropolitan areas
are more likely to participate in avid
boating than those who reside outside
metropolitan areas.
Both bass and trout anglers who
purchase books and magazines related
to fishing are significantly more likely
to participate in both some boating and
avid boating. For businesses interested
in marketing products to anglers who
are boaters, these results suggest that
print media may be effective in reaching
this audience. However, print media will
likely be less effective in reaching anglers
who are not boaters because anglers who
purchase books and magazines are less
likely to be non-boaters.
There are several different species
of fish that, if pursued, are associated
with a significantly higher rate of
participation in some boating or avid
boating. Interestingly several of the same
species variables are associated with
higher boating participation among both
trout and bass anglers: crappie, striped
bass, walleye, pike, and freshwater
salmon. Conversely, bass anglers who
also pursue catfish or steelhead have a
lower probability of participating in some
boating.
Trout anglers who seek numerous
different other fish species are
significantly more likely to participate
in some boating, but for bass anglers
this is not the case. If anything, the data
suggest that bass anglers who are more
specialized in the fish that they seek are
more likely to participate in boating.
Several variables related to the hunting
activities of anglers are associated
with significant differences in boating
participation. Bass anglers who hunt
deer or small game are significantly more
likely to participate in some boating.
Deer hunters are also significantly more
likely to participate in avid boating.
These results may be useful from a
marketing perspective. If a manufacturer
is interested in marketing a product to
all boaters or avid boaters, these results
suggest that knowledge of participation
in deer hunting could be useful. Trout
anglers who hunt for numerous different
species of game are significantly more
likely to participate in some boating and
avid boating. A possible explanation
for this result is that those who hunt
numerous species are likely to be more
avid outdoor recreationists.
Table 12. States whose Residents are Most
Likely to Participate in Some Boating
while Fishing
Bass Anglers Trout Anglers
AR AL
FL AR
HI FL
LA LA
ME ME
MI MI
MN MS
ND NE
NH NH
SC SC
SD WA
UT WI
WA
WI
WY
Some Boating refers to boating 1 to 16 days
while fishing.
24 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
In 2001, there were 10.7 million black
bass and 7.8 million trout anglers in
the U.S, who pursued bass nearly 160
million days and trout 83 million days.
Participation rates for both bass and
trout fishing vary dramatically among the
different states. The wide variations are
attributable to differences in freshwater
habitat, which often favor one species
over the other. Consequently, it is not
unusual to find that states with high
participation rates for bass fishing have
low participation in trout fishing and vice
versa.
Expenditures by bass and trout anglers
reveal the economic importance of both
recreational fish species. In 2001 bass
anglers spent $10.2 billion on trips and
equipment made pursuant to freshwater
fishing, and trout anglers spent $6.4
billion. Bass anglers averaged higher
equipment and trip-related spending
than trout anglers, but average spending
by both bass and trout anglers was
greater than that of all freshwater
anglers.
From a socioeconomic perspective, all
freshwater, bass, and trout anglers have
similarities and differences. They have
a similar distribution of participants
by age of the angler, with individuals
who are 35–44 years old comprising
the majority of participants for each.
Females comprise a higher proportion
of all freshwater anglers than they do
of either bass or trout anglers. Females
are more heavily concentrated among
anglers who seek species such as panfish,
catfish, or any freshwater fish. Bass
anglers and all freshwater anglers have
a similar educational distribution, but
trout anglers have a slightly higher
proportion with four years of college or
more. Both bass and trout anglers have
higher incomes on average than do all
freshwater anglers.
Summary
Fishing by boat is an important method
of fishing for both bass and trout anglers.
There are numerous socioeconomic
characteristics associated with different
rates of boating participation. Overall,
65% of bass anglers and 48% of trout
anglers fished from a boat at least one
day in 2001.
Regression analysis reveals that several
characteristics have a significant positive
or negative impact on either participation
in some boating or avid boating, where
some boating is defined as fishing from
a boat 1–16 days, and avid boating is
defined as fishing from a boat for more
than 16 days. For both trout and bass
anglers there are several characteristics
that have a significant positive impact
on either some boating or avid boating:
rising income, purchasing fishing related
books or magazines, and increasing age.
Bass and trout anglers who also seek
other fish species such as crappie, striped
bass, walleye, pike, and freshwater
salmon are significantly more likely to
participate in some boating. Conversely,
bass anglers who also pursue catfish or
steelhead have a lower probability of
participating in some boating.
Regression analysis also reveals that
there are several variables concerning
the hunting activities of anglers that are
associated with significant differences in
boating participation. Bass anglers who
hunt small game are significantly more
likely to participate in some boating,
and bass anglers who hunt deer are
significantly more likely to participate
in both some boating and avid boating.
Trout anglers who hunt numerous species
of animals are more likely to participate
in both some boating and avid boating.
Fishing remains one of the most
prominent recreational activities in the
U.S. It truly is a long standing tradition
that continues to retain appeal despite
the emergence of numerous other outlets
for leisure time. Fishing is not only
important as a leisure activity, it is also
a powerful engine of economic growth.
In 2001 anglers spent a total of $28.4
billion on freshwater and Great Lakes
fishing. This $28.4 billion generated
an estimated $74.8 billion in economic
output, $4.8 billion in tax revenue, and
683,892 jobs.5 Bass and trout are two of
the most pursued freshwater species by
anglers. Consequently, they are of vital
importance as a leisure resource and
catalyst for economic growth.
5 Sportfishing in America, American
Sportfishing Association 2002.
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 25
Appendix A
The Model
As discussed in Part Five, the
continuation ratio model is used in
situations where ordered categories
of the dependent variable represent a
progression of stages, so individuals must
pass through each lower stage before
they go on to higher stages.
The data are partitioned into three
groups, A, B, and C, as shown in Figure 7
on page 22. Logit regression is then
used to estimate the logarithm of the
odds ratio that an angler was in group B
rather than group A. A second regression
estimates the logarithm of the odds ratio
that an angler was in group C rather than
group B. The analysis was performed
for bass and trout anglers separately, so
there are two sets of results. With two
regressions apiece, the total number of
regressions is four.
Variables
The explanatory variables used in the
models are contained in Table A-1. The
bass and trout models have many of
the same variables, but there are some
differences.
The variables used in the regression
were selected from a large set of
potential explanatory variables through
a combination of Stepwise Model Fitting
and use of the likelihood ratio test.6
Many of the variables are nominal
variables. Each nominal variable used in
the regressions has a base or reference
case. The reference case is given a
value of zero in the estimated equation.
Consequently, the calculated coefficient
for the reference case is embodied in the
coefficient for the intercept term. The
reference case for each nominal variable
is given by the first level for each in Table
A-1. Thus, the reference case for the bass
angler regressions is as follows:
■ Residents of state cluster number one
■ Male
■ Lives outside a MSA
■ Did not hunt deer or small game
■ Did not fish for crappie, striped bass,
catfish, walleye, pike, freshwater
salmon, steelhead, saltwater salmon,
or redfish
■ Has five years of college or more
Every variable value other than the
reference case has a coefficient. For each
regression these coefficients indicate
the change in the log odds that occurs
when the value of the respective nominal
variable is different than the reference
case. For example, since “Five years of
college or more” is the reference case for
EDUC, each of the other levels (“Less
than four years of college,” and “Four
years of college”) will have a coefficient.
The coefficient for “Four years of college”
will indicate the change in the log odds
that results because a bass angler had
four years of college rather than five
years of college or more.
6 Consult author for additional information on
other model specifications, list of variables
that were not included in the final regression,
and information on Stepwise Model Fitting.
The CL_BASS and CL_TROUT
variables are clusters of states. The
states are partitioned into clusters such
that states in the same cluster are more
similar to each other in terms of boating
participation rate than with states in
different clusters. Why states within a
cluster are similar in terms of boating
participation is not known: it could be
that anglers within the states have
similar access to boatable water, or it
could be that states share similar climate,
which could make boating more or less
appealing. What is known is that the
states within a cluster are more similar
with regard to boating participation than
they are with states in other clusters.
The clusters for bass anglers and trout
anglers were both created using the
Greenacre procedure, which utilizes a
form of chi-square distancing.
The FISHCOUNT and HUNTCOUNT
variables in the trout angler regressions
indicate how many total different
species were pursued through fishing
and hunting. FISHCOUNT indicates
the total number of different species
that were pursued while fishing in 2001,
and HUNTCOUNT indicates the total
number of different species that were
pursued while hunting in 2001.
26 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Table A-1. Regression Explanatory Variables
Bass Anglers Trout Anglers
INCOME Ordinal variable with 10 levels, treated as continuous* INCOME Ordinal variable with 10 levels, treated as continuous*
AGE Age of recreationist in years for those older than 15 AGE Age of recreationist in years for those older than 15
CL_BASS Nominal variable with 6 levels that represent
clusters of states
CL_TROUT Nominal variable with 6 levels that represent
clusters of states
One = CT, ID, IN, MA, MD, MS, MT, NC, NJ, NV,
OK, RI, TX, VA
Two = AZ, CO, DE, IA, KS, KY, MO, NE, NM, OH, PA
Three = AR, FL, ME, NH, SC, UT
Four = AL, CA, GA, IL, NY, OR, TN, VT
Five = HI, LA, MI, MN, ND, SD, WA, WI, WY
Six = WV
One = AK, CA, CT, DE, NC, NJ, OH, OK, RI, UT
Two = AZ, HI, ID, KS, MA, MD, MT, NV, NY, SD, TN,
TX, WV, WY
Three = GA, IL, IN, MN, ND, OR, VT
Four = CO, IA, KY, MO, NM, PA, VA
Five = FL, ME, MS, NE, NH, SC, WA
Six = AL, AR, LA, MI, WI
SEX Indicator variable with 2 values to indicate
respondent gender
SEX Indicator variable with 2 values to indicate
respondent gender
Male Male
Female Female
FISHBOOK Indicator variable with 2 values FISHBOOK Indicator variable with 2 values
Did not purchase books or magazines
pertaining to fishing
Did not purchase books or magazines
pertaining to fishing
Purchased books or magazines pertaining to fishing Purchased books or magazines pertaining to fishing
MSA Nominal variable with 4 levels to indicate size of
residence
MSA Nominal variable with 4 levels to indicate size of
residence
1, 000, 000 or more 1, 000, 000 or more
250, 000–999, 999 250, 000–999, 999
50, 000–249, 999 50, 000–249, 999
Outside MSA Outside MSA
RACE Nominal variable with 3 levels to indicate race TURKEY Indicator variable with 2 values
White Did Not Hunt Turkey
Asian Hunted Turkey
Black
Other Races
SMALLGAME Indicator variable with 2 values CRAPPIE Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not Hunt Small Game Did Not fish for crappie
Hunted Small Game Fished for crappie
DEER Indicator variable with 2 values STRIPED Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not Hunt Deer Did Not fish for striped bass
Hunted Deer Fished for striped bass
CRAPPIE Indicator variable with 2 values WALLEYE Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not fish for crappie Did Not fish for walleye
Fished for crappie Fished for walleye
STRIPED Indicator variable with 2 values PIKE Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not fish for striped bass Did Not fish for pike
Fished for striped bass Fished for pike
Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States 27
*The levels of INCOME are as follows: Under $10,000, $10,000–$19,999, $20,000–$24,999, $25,000–$29,999, $30,000–$34,999, $35,000–$39,999, $40,000–$49,999,
$50,000–$74,999, $75,000–$99,999, $100,000 or More.
Table A-1. Regression Explanatory Variables
Bass Anglers Trout Anglers
WALLEYE Indicator variable with 2 values SALMON_F Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not fish for walleye Did Not fish for salmon in freswater
Fished for walleye Fished for salmon in freswater
PIKE Indicator variable with 2 values OTHER Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not fish for pike Did Not fish for other freshwater species
Fished for pike Fished for other freshwater species
SALMON_F Indicator variable with 2 values FISHCOUNT Number of species other than trout that were pursued
Did Not fish for salmon in freswater
STEELHEAD Indicator variable with 2 values HUNTCOUNT Number of species other than trout that were pursued
Did Not fish for steelhead
Fished for steelhead
SALMON_S Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not fish for salmon in saltwater
Fished for salmon in saltwater
REDFISH Indicator variable with 2 values
Did Not fish for redfish
Fished for redfish
EDUC Nominal variable with 5 levels to indicate years of
education
5 years or more of college
4 years of college
Less than 4 years of college
28 Black Bass and Trout Fishing in the United States
Results
Bass Anglers
The regression results for “No boating
to Some boating” and “Some boating to
Avid boating” are displayed separately
in Table A-2. A positive number in the
“Estimate” column for “No boating to
Some boating” indicates that the variable
in question has a positive relationship
with the likelihood that one participated
in some boating. A positive number in the
“Estimate” column for “Some boating to
Avid boating” indicates that the variable
in question has a positive relationship
with the likelihood that one participated
in avid boating given that he or she
boated at least one day. Additionally,
the Pr > ChiSq column indicates the
probability that the relationship between
each variable and the target variable
(some boating or avid boating) occurs
by chance. A Pr > ChiSq of less than
0.05 is considered strongly statistically
significant, while a value of less than 0.1 is
considered significant.
An example will serve to explain the
particulars of Table A-2. The results
for the no boating to some boating
regression indicates an estimate for
“Black” of –0.676. Since the base case
for RACE is “White,” the negative
result indicates that, all other things
equal, Black anglers are less likely to
participate in some boating. Additionally,
the Pr > ChiSq indicates a probability
of ChiSq Estimate Chi-Square Pr > ChiSq
Intercept –0.639 6.637 0.010 –2.235 42.806 ChiSq Estimate Chi-Square Pr > ChiSq
Intercept –1.367 49.314